July 4, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope and pray that you and your family are healthy and safe this Fourth of July.  As the region begins to reopen after a long hibernation, I urge everyone to take precautions and remain vigilant to prevent a resurgence in the coronavirus that has plagued us this year.  

The Fourth of July is our country’s most jubilant holiday. This year we celebrate the 244th year of the greatest system of self-government the world has seen.  This American experiment designed to protect personal liberties and enable everyone to seize opportunities in a civil society is a day that should be celebrated with the fanfare and traditions that we have always enjoyed.  For everyone’s safety, please refrain from using illegal fireworks.

This year though, we have to temper not our patriotic spirit or enthusiasm, but how we interact with one another for our own physical protection.  Please be careful and take appropriate precautions when organizing backyard barbeques and when socializing.  The resurgence in reported cases we have seen across the country, while mostly in younger adults, could easily threaten more vulnerable friends and relatives.  

Our health care workers, the NHP Fire Department, the officers of the Third Precinct, the NHP DPW, our merchants and residents have all worked so hard in different ways to bring the infection rates down.  So many people have sacrificed so much.  We must remain focused on our behavior to keep things going in the right direction.  It’s not easy.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who has forgotten to bring a mask every time I leave the house or car.  It’s become part of my checklist.  The virus has shown itself to be resilient and opportunistic.  Let’s not give it a chance.

Have a healthy and safe Fourth of July holiday.  

God Bless America!

Sincerely,

Lawrence J. Montreuil

Mayor, Village of New Hyde Park

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