There has been more talk about the Constitution of the United States of America in recent months than in decades. The most discussed and debated Amendments of our Bill of Rights, as always, has been the 1st Amendment, which provides the freedom of speech, press, the right to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievance. And of course, the 2nd Amendment, which is the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

To me, the Constitution is the living, breathing, lifeblood of liberty for the American people. It has angered me beyond belief to see the Constitution twisted and perverted to try to justify criminal activity. Our Bill of Rights is a very simple read. A good rule of thumb is your freedom ends when you infringe upon another individual’s rights. For example, the right to assemble and or protest does not cover assault, looting, robbery, arson, and so on. But that’s not what this column is about.

A tip of my Webb Weekly cap to all that attended and participated in the President Trump Regatta and Patriotic Rally. It was a grand slam event centered around a boat regatta, motorcycle ride, live music, and ending the event, a fireworks display.

The Susquehanna River Boat Regatta, as it was officially titled, was an amazing example of the 1st Amendment being celebrated properly by Americans from all walks of life. This was only enhanced by the Norman Rockwell setting of where the event was held. A special thank you to the Steppe family for allowing the use of their farm.

Now before I go any further, I would be writing these same words of praise if this type of event was held for presidential candidate Joe Biden.

With all that has gone on in past months, this patriotic extravaganza was a great way for folks to get out and enjoy a day of self-expression of freedom and celebration. I could hear the roar of the motorcycles as I was working at my son’s house as they traveled through South Side. It’s my understanding that over 700 bikers took the patriotic ride that day. I turned on the radio in my truck, and there was my friend Gary Chrisman live from the Hiawatha describing the going ons from boat side. A shout out to Captain Mike Strunk for his navigational skills and missing the nearly 200 boats estimated on the water. Although a little bump and Gary going overboard would have provided a great story and plenty of laughs. Just kidding.

When I took a ride with my four-legged son, Finn, to see what all was going on, I could hear the music, smell the food trucks — as could my sidekick — and view the Red, White and Blue farm party. And no, we didn’t stop. I did treat Finn to a burger off the grill later, though.

The patriotic band festival featured six acts provided by local talent; it was estimated that nearly 5,000 folks attended the events on the main concourse. All totaled, it was estimated nearly 20,000 folks participated in the day in some way. The all-American 4th of July type celebration was closed out with fireworks, which I have been told by many were unbelievable. I could hear them from my living room. And guessing from the way Finn responded, they must have been great. It was great just to hear the return of fireworks exploding in the night air above the Susquehanna River.

A few closing notes on the Trump River Boat Regatta and Patriotic Rally; there are events like this being held all over our Nation. This, however, is the only one of its kind combining everything mentioned. Although it did not get the local TV or media coverage it deserved, a Fox News post of the event, at last count, had received over 268,000 likes and had been viewed over 400,000 times.

The Woodward Township Fire Department provided emergency service assistance if needed for the event. There were no reports of injuries or any mishaps. The Pennsylvania State Police also had a presence to make sure law and order were kept. There were zero reports of any lawlessness. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire covered the river end of the celebration providing two water rescue boats.

They had a great time and reported no incidents. A heartfelt thank you to all these good folks and the job they do each and every day.

The Steppe family reported there wasn’t a piece of trash to be found. That everyone did a great job in support of the host family and respecting their property. It sounds like the All-American Day could not have gone better.

God Bless America.