Freedom at the Arboretum 2021

In spite of the lingering pandemic and a heat wave, we estimate roughly 135 people attended this year's Freedom at the Arboretum.  

Our Democracy is threatened by wildly partisan rhetoric, so this year we decided to focus on the concept of democracy in hopes it will help people sort out for themselves how they want OUR system to work.  Democracy at its essence is a belief that government should be of the people, by the people and for the people.  

Welcome Back!! It is good to be vaccinated & together!!  

It has been a long hard couple of years since we last gathered to celebrate the ideals found in the Declaration of Independence that founded our country. At times we wondered if we weren’t losing our common belief in democracy, that our nation might continue to be as Abe Lincoln said, “A government of, by and for the people.” 

A nation is its people, and we are a wildly diverse bunch who have divergent political views split among diverse races, religions, generations, genders, economic outlooks, etc. Today we celebrate our diversity and affirm what we have in common. 

You are surrounded by wonderful people, we encourage you to visit and meet someone new! To wit, we have a new format that gives more time for simply visiting, including at intermission. You are welcome to linger after the program and enjoy this beautiful Arboretum. Finch Arboretum is itself a testament to diversity, and a commitment to a vision for the common good of our community. 

The Westbrook family, assisted by enthusiastic friends have organized Freedom at the Arboretum since 1962! We wish to thank the long list of volunteers who generously gave of their time and talent that make this possible. Extra thanks to 

• Pat Cantlon & Bob Rice of Indie Air Radio who put in long hours setting up this sound system so we can safely spread out, and still be heard. 
• Rusty Nelson of Veterans for Peace for being this year's Stir the Pot speaker.
• Stage Left Theater for adding Theater Arts to our program
• Lonesome Lyle Morse a professional bluesman
• Finch Arboretum for allowing us to gather & use their facilities
• So many others: Vern, Sean, Elliot, Katrina, Lynn, Bob, Dianna, Craig, Darrell, Susan, Mark B., etc. 

Without them today’s event would not be possible!! 

Thanks to All of You!!