"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel," quoted Attorney Marvin Morrison. "That doesn't mean exactly what it sounds like," he said. "It means that even a scoundrel is stirred with feelings of patriotism." Mr. Morrison was standing near the Derby-Hall Bandstand, celebrating his July 4 birthday and observing this year's Fourth of July celebration in Oyster Bay.

This year was unique in that the military fly-by of two UHI helicopters came in spite of the rain and made sure residents saw them as they passed over twice, circled and flew in low over Townsend Park.

The crowd appeared bigger than ever and Mr. Morrison ventured that the overcast weather brought more people out as other festive plans were cancelled. MC for the day, Councilman Leonard Symons, a famed weatherman asked for a show of hands for those who brought umbrellas with them. He said the commander of the USS TR said they wouldn't be needed! True.

Mr. Symons spoke of the importance of citizenship: what is shown in celebrating Independence Day. He quoted US Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter as saying, "Citizenship is democracy's highest office." Mr. Symons said he sees that kind of citizen in business and civic leaders as well as in the American soldiers who are willing to sacrifice for America's freedom. "Soldiers are the keepers of Democracy," he said.

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes James Stepanich surprised Mr. Symons by having a prepared speech to deliver. His theme was the unique enterprise this democracy is, with the concept of self-rule and government by and for the people. "I am one of the people. I stepped forward to serve the people; acting for the people on laws established by the people."

He spoke of the signers of the constitution, and their courage to put their lives and possessions on the line, as they signed their names to a document that singled them out for persecution by the British.

He said lately it has become politically correct to belittle our history and traditions, but said, "Let it not happen." Mr. Stefanich ended offering: "Happy Birthday to us the people!"

Captain Richard J. O'Hanlon, USN Commanding Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 was the guest speaker at this year's Fourth of July celebration at the Derby-Hall bandstand in Oyster Bay. He brought home the message of sacrifice for those who serve this country. His wife and three children attended the event to take advantage of the time the family will have together before he leaves for another tour of duty.

The nuclear powered USS TR is heading for the Arabian Gulf with its crew of 5,500 American men and women. The ship returned two days before from a month at sea practicing their skills. "Keeping the crew trained and therefore ready, is my top priority," he said. He is the eighth commander of the ship.

Captain O'Hanlon said "Even TR may not have dreamed of a big stick, as big as the USS TR."

He said in order to keep the peace, our Navy of 316 ships has 96, or 1/3 of the fleet, stationed all around the world.

"Those crew members have spent their service time defending our way of life," he said. "This nation must win and that is the price of peace. If called upon, your Navy is ready to win."

There was applause from the crowd.

"What makes my ship great is the commitment of my crew and their willingness to be ready to sail into harm's way!"

Captain O'Hanlon said, "Our nation is a lighthouse for all people seeking freedom and our Navy is the beacon shedding that light.

"May God bless each of you and God bless the United States Navy," said the commander.

Theodore Roosevelt Association Executive Director Dr. John Gable said 2001 has been called the year of Theodore Roosevelt. In January he was awarded the Medal of Honor. It came to Sagamore Hill in April. It will have visited Tampa, New Orleans, North Dakota, the USS TR, and Portland, Oregon. It will be in Buffalo on Sept. 14, where TR was given his oath of office of president after the assassination of President McKinley.

Dr. Gable said that Theodore Roosevelt deserves this year of acclaim as has become more evident over time, and gave two of his famous quotes: "Speak softly and carry a big stick and you will go far," and "What every American deserves is a square deal." Dr. Gable said TR made this American century what it was.

Councilman Leonard Symons told the crowd if they listened carefully they would hear TR himself, who spoke from this very same bandstand to Oyster Bay residents. That was his introduction for Jim Foote, TR impersonator who said, "I speak as a neighbor and friend and no longer as president." He said patriotism is as much a duty in time of peace as in time of war. "This country of ours will not be a good place to live in unless it is a reasonably good place for all of us to live in."

He ended by inviting the crowd to visit Sagamore Hill where the Fourth of July festivities continued. "Join me at Sagamore Hill. There isn't any place in the world like Sagamore Hill: like home!"

The Oyster Bay Community Band played Donald Luckenbill's Sagamore Hill March. They played with great enthusiasm. As the piece ended, TR called out, "Bully! Simply bully!"