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A Cause for
Remembrance
First two photos: Naiesha
Thobe interviews Worthy President Steffanie Baker and Eagles Trustee
Ron Kreitzer
Story & Photos by Naiesha Thobe, Teen Scribe
"It's a patriotic day
to celebrate with family and friends," said Eagles Worthy President
Steffanie Baker.
"It's a day to ‘respect those who died’,” said Ron Kreitzer, Eagles
Trustee. “It's a time to look back on the past, but also look forward
for the future.”
Both Eagles 2177 officers took time from their multiple activities
during the recent weekend Independence Day celebration to talk about
the Eagles and the history of the event.
The Eagles is a charitable organization that finds countless ways to
give back to their community. Kreitzer said that the Eagles donates
back the money it receives, whether for causes such as cancer funds or
donating scholarships.
It is the same for the 4th of July jamboree. According to Baker, this
celebration is a way to give back to the community while thanking them
for their continued support. The “community” to which Baker referred is
Greenville and all Darke County communities.
Support for this celebration has not stopped growing in the six years
that is has been held. The Eagles originally put on the event at the
Darke County Fairgrounds, but "outgrew it," said Baker. Last year,
attendance was near the 3,000 mark, but this year, it was estimated
that nearly 6,000 people would visit the Park before it was over. The
reason for that climb in attendance may be word of mouth, the
attractions, or simply the fireworks.
The Independence Day Celebration is free for the community to enjoy,
but money has to go into preparing for it. In 2010, $15,000 went into
the celebration, but this year, the stakes had been raised. With the
entertainment and other preparations, along with the fireworks, the
accumulated costs brushed the $20,000 mark. The money for the event is
raised through contributions made by the members of the community and
the support of the Greenville Eagles membership. For next year, Eagles
officers hope to increase community participation.
Those attending this year have already donated more than $1,100 toward
next year’s event.
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