Above: Congressman Gottheimer rides in the Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration Parade

NEW JERSEY — Yesterday, July 4, 2018, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined Fifth District families, veterans, first responders, and local elected officials to commemorate America’s 242nd birthday at celebrations in Ridgewood, Teaneck, and Hackensack.

Gottheimer started the day in Ridgewood’s Wilsey Square, where he raised the American flag alongside new Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache, Ridgewood Parade Grand Marshal Cairan Sheehan, families, first responders, and members of the American Legion Post 53, Ridgewood Council, Kassachau Memorial Band Shell Committee, and Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration Committee.

Gottheimer then greeted families, friends, and neighbors while riding in the Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration Parade.

After the Ridgewood Parade, Gottheimer attended Teaneck’s July Fourth Community Celebration, where he spoke with children, families, and first responders alongside Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin and new Teaneck Councilman Jim Dunleavy.

Finally, Gottheimer wrapped up his Independence Day celebrations at the Hackensack Fourth of July celebration at Hackensack’s Foschini Park. There he met with Hackensack Deputy Mayor Kathy Canestrino, Recreation Department Interim Superintendent Rose Frontignano, other members of the Recreation Department, and Hackensack families preparing to watch the fireworks.

“I was proud to get to celebrate this Independence Day—America’s 242nd birthday—with North Jersey families, veterans, and first responders, and have the opportunity to honor those who have fought and continue to fight to make our freedom possible,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “Our Founding Father Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself.’ That love of country and dedication to others was on clear display at this year’s Fifth District Fourth of July celebrations. It’s because of days like today and communities like ours that I know that our best days will always be ahead of us, here in the greatest country in the world.”

Below: Congressman Gottheimer kicks off Independence Day at the Ridgewood 4th of July Flag Raising at Ridgewood’s Wilsey Square