They pick the top ten cities to be named All America City – last year, Somerville came in 11th – just missing out. This year, with all the development of the routines and the practices that have been staged, it should be a shoe-in.

The last time Somerville was given that distinction was 1972 – when there was a sweeping change moving through our city, the nation – the world. Times have changed dramatically in so many ways, but, we as a community keep coming together to celebrate our history and work together to create a solid future.

We have gone on and on and on about how beneficial it has been to have many of the events and civic remembrances we celebrate every year. Some have gone on for decades and others have been introduced and reintroduced over the past few years.

Credit has been given to the Mayor and his administration for heavily supporting and organizing most, if not all, of the events that bring this community together several times a year. It takes a concerted effort from local government, organized civic groups, businesses and residents to develop and maintain this level of community we enjoy today.

While we didn't quite make it last year, there is no doubt we will this year – and even if we don't – we all know in our hearts that Somerville is an All America City every year.