Salute to Cleveland's Vision

Monday July 7th was a historic day in Cleveland history.  It may not have been the history they were anxious to embrace, but it is historic non-the-less. It was the date of a terrible fire, and a heartfelt re-dedication to the Cuyahoga River.

This is a full salute- from the fireboat Anthony J. Celebrezze

There is something about a boat at full salute, water spraying wildly, that makes my soul rejoice.  I seldom miss life on the lake, but this sight alone can nearly bring me to tears.

 And this isn't just any old "fire boat."  It is the fire boat that put out the Cuyahoga River fire that ignited an environmental movement, and ultimately the Environmental Protection Agency. Go here to read the story.

 A generous crowd gathered on the lawn for speech-a-fying and general celebration of the Scranton Flats park. The firehouse lawn was a good and fitting location.

It was a celebration of the Canalway Partners, and I am mighty pleased with the efforts of my friends at Trust for Public Land who worked so hard to make this possible.  Where there was once industrial wasteland...

now there are birds, boats, and fishes in the river!  A bike trail complements the recreational possibilities. Cleveland is being reborn and is leading the way for urban renewal across our county.

Tim Donavan from Canal Way was the emcee.

 There was a full compliment of government officials, all who wished Cleveland the very best, and were undoubtly pleased when the GOP announced they would have their Nation Convention in this historic city.

One has to admire the hard work and dedication of Sen. Sherrod Brown and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur in their efforts to represent Ohioans.  Cleveland is fortunate indeed to have Congresswoman Kaptur reapportioned to represent!   

The Hon. Ralph Regula

It was also an honor to be in the presence of the Hon. Ralph Regula, long-time servant of Ohioans.  We probably would not be on the same page politically on many issues, but this man was the driving force behind the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For that alone he will have my undying gratitude.

In his touching comments Congressman Regula sited the phase: "Where there is no vision the people perish..." (Proverbs. 29:18.)  It was a fitting verse for this auspicious occasion.

No one could be more pleased than me to see the vision that Cleveland is embracing for the future.  It was an honor to be a witness to this historic day.