In 1775, a group of Harford County, Maryland, citizens signed the Bush Declaration, dedicating their support for the actions then being undertaken by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia - actions that led to the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, issued on July 4, 1776.

In the years since then, this country has stood by its commitment to uphold inalienable rights such as "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Citizens of Harford County have also stood by that long-ago pledge to support our nation, in the words of the Bush Declaration, "at the risque of our lives and fortunes."

We are living these days amidst some of the greatest challenges to our way of life that we have ever faced. Our July 4th celebration includes representatives of our local heroes, our local law enforcement and our emergency services personnel. As we go about our daily lives, we owe our safety, our independence, and our continued freedom from fear, to brave men and women like them.

The Bel Air Independence Day Committee, Inc., composed of volunteers and members of sponsoring organizations, provides the leadership and workers to plan and carry out the many activities of our celebration. Financial support is also received from many businesses and professional people in the Bel Air area. This web site contains a list of the patrons and sponsors who have financially assisted with our celebration during the current calendar year.

In addition, the following groups rank as Sponsoring Organizations (both municipal and civic), without whose support we could not carry on our work; for more information on these groups, clicking on any one of them to open up a new window with the appropriate web site:

We hope you enjoy browsing through this web site. Among its features you will find:

and much, much more!