Franklin Matters: Franklin TV: Where is America?

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Franklin TV: Where is America?

I miss it.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/13/2025

I spent July 4th with relatives on Martha’s Vineyard – Edgartown. Thus, I missed the excellent festivities in Franklin. (We do know how to make it happen. Don’t we?)

It’s fascinating how a change of venue can offer a change in perspective. I’m standing in a crowd of citizens on Main St. in Edgartown. The collective mood is festive, anticipatory, enthusiastic. We’re all waiting for the parade to start. I was told it was an event not to be missed. So, “ Yeh. Uhh, sure. Guess I’ll go.”

As I watched the parade glide by – the world changed. It went back to the way it used to be – the good parts. The emotionally pristine parts.

There was an antique fire engine – with a manual siren that the fireman in the shotgun seat cranked up for extra effect. A wagging dalmation on top. Other firemen walking alongside, tossing candies and beads to scrambling kiddies in the crowd. It was a slow motion, throwback moment – a Rockwell painting come to life. Tykes on dad’s shoulders waved little flags. There were home-brew floats with sharks (It’s the 50th anniversary of ‘Jaws’.) And the place became ‘Amity’ once again.

General Meaning:

Friendship and Harmony: Amity is a formal or literary term for friendship, mutual understanding, and a peaceful relationship. It often implies a spirit of goodwill and positive coexistence, even amidst differences.

Then a group of paraders held a large banner that read: D E I Lives Here.

I felt an oddly visceral sensation of – safety? In that moment nothing could hurt me. I’m comfy. I’m white. I’m privileged. And yet, somehow, I felt better, safer. The entire crowd began to cheer – wildly. A collective ‘YES!’. Several floats, banners, and hand-held signs throughout the parade brandished unabashed D E I messages. Each, accompanied by more spirited cheering – happiness – Amity.

I witnessed – experienced – the America that I believe we all want. How do we get it back?

And – as always –