To the Citizens of Sandown:

I am very pleased that efforts are being made to develop this new web site for Sandown.  I can think of no better way for the town of Sandown to revitalize its sense of community than by celebrating it long and proud history. For nearly 250 years our town has been marching in the forefront of the parade of America's history. We have sent our young men and women to fight in a dozen wars and debated the candidacy of every president from George Washington to George Bush. Across our supper tables and at town meetings we have argued passionately current events topics including slavery, women's suffrage, prohibition and the perils of communism.

For two and a half centuries we have voted at town meetings to tax ourselves to provide good local schools for our children and roads for the traveler. When the call was given we selflessly volunteered our money and labor to build the Old Meeting House in 1774, and our first fire station in 1948; if a child was lost in the dark woods or a fire erupted in town there have always been scores of our men and women who would rush to give up their time and safety to help a friend. Over the years hundreds and hundreds of our citizens have volunteered to coach sports teams, serve on town committees or hold public office. This spirit has always been part of the weave of the fabric that makes up our town.  I encourage all citizens to read about the history of Sandown so that they can be inspired to continue that tradition of volunteerism - which since 1756 has helped to make this town a community.

To the future,
Richard Holmes