Johnson City community figureheads reflect on America's 250th birthday

America's 250th birthday has spurred the Johnson City community's sense of patriotism as a handful of events are set to take place for people to celebrate the milestone year. The Johnson City Press reached out to some of the district's figureheads to see exactly what this year's milestone means to them and how they will be celebrating the country's birthday. Commissioner Joe Wise Johnson City Commissioner Joe Wise said this year's celebration is "a milestone worth marking." In an email statement to the Press, Wise said now is a time to think about what in the country has changed and held steady, and noted how the country "has always been made up of people who don't agree on everything yet have managed to keep building something together." When asked about what he looks forward to with this year's holiday, he said he's eager to see neighbors side-by-side as they enjoy local events, such as Freedom Hall's fireworks show. He added this year's fireworks show has grown into Johnson City's "marquee event" by having an extended show that walks through the country's history. Wise reflected on how Johnson City's community also represents the country's independence anniversary with the unique ways the people show up for one another. Wise said for him, Independence Day also makes him think back to the bicentennial in 1976 and the importance of community togetherness amidst trials. "As a kid, it just felt like a moment everyone was excited about, flags everywhere, a shared sense of pride," Wise wrote. "It's only looking back as an adult that I understand what the country had just been through, Watergate, Vietnam, and how much was being debated and questioned at the time. That contrast has stayed with me. National pride and disagreement have always existed side by side, and the country has gotten through it by assuming the best of one another and remembering we're still neighbors first. That's worth holding onto now as much as ever." Commissioner Whitney Goetz Johnson City Commissioner Whitney Goetz also shared her thoughts about America's 250th in an email response to the Johnson City Press. She said the upcoming weekend "is both a celebration and a reminder of the incredible privilege of being an American." She added celebrating 250 years comes from courage, hard work, faith and deep appreciation for the country, something she believes are qualities that define the people of Johnson City to this day. Like Wise, Goetz said she plans to spend time with her family during July 4, carrying out their tradition of going to the Jonesborough Days Parade before later attending the Freedom Hall fireworks – small things she holds close as her kids grow up. "As my boys have gotten older, I've come to appreciate these traditions even more," Goetz said. "They're simple moments, but they're also opportunities to teach them about the blessings of living in our country." Goetz said the holiday makes her think back to her grandfathers, Raymond Calhoun and Frank Kendall, who each served in the military. Goetz shared Calhoun's service in the Navy during World War II and Kendall's service in the Army during the Korean War gives her a great appreciation for veterans and the freedom granted as an American because of their service. Goetz said most of all, she hopes the anniversary of America's independence causes others to consider their roles in shaping the country and remember the reason behind their freedom. "I hope this anniversary encourages all of us to reflect on our history, honor those who came before us and recommit ourselves to leaving Johnson City even stronger for the next generation."