Community should be proud of Independence Day events
Riverside is proof positive of what it means to be a community. The coming together of our village around the Third and Fourth of July holiday festivities should serve as a template for all communities to follow in these uncertain times.

Both a hearty congratulations and a heartfelt thank you go out to the residents of Riverside for their support of our community celebration. Without these opportunities for communitywide interaction among residents, we risk becoming just a place to live rather than a place to thrive and foster lifelong friendships.

Stand up and be proud. First, the Friends of the Fourth. Without their tireless volunteer efforts and single-minded pursuit of community spirit, we are not certain if this event would have happened.

Second, our business community. Their ever-present involvement is what helps make our village work.

Third, our village staff. Without support by every department head and every staff member and the cooperation of our employee unions, this celebration would not have been possible.

Fourth, the Riverside Village Board. Without the board's willingness to craft a plan to support this event — at no additional cost to our residents — financial constraints may have rained on our parade.

And, at the top of the list stands our residents. Their generous donations and their zeal to lend their time and effort as volunteers, both on the Third and Fourth and in the months preceding, stands out brighter than any fireworks display. We are all proud to call ourselves Riversiders.

Michael Goramn, Riverside village president