A Small Town Fourth of July

Yesterday was an Independence Day that should be a model for all towns.

For the first time in twenty years, we had a traditional parade down Main St that included representatives from the local sports teams (I walked with my daughter as a coach), marching bands, church groups, cub scouts and others.

More importantly, it included many active-duty military and veterans. Thousands lined the route and it was amazing to see representatives of the four major military branches walk amidst the flags and music. How many young people saw the men in their camouflage or the Marines in their dress uniforms and said that they wanted to wear those uniforms one day (liberals are cringing about this point)?

The new mayor pushed hard to bring the parade back and he deserves a ton of credit for putting it together. For the record, he's a Democrat in a town that had a pseudo-Republican in office for over a decade.

At night, they had a salute to veterans event where parachutist's from the Army dropped into the field where we later watched the best fireworks show I've ever seen.

All in all a great day with much food and Sam Adams' imbibed. A day where the greatness of America was celebrated and veterans were given the kind of cheering reception they deserve. The only irritation was two yahoos wearing Greenpeace shirts with a Stop Global Warming sign but they were essentially ignored. I'd have had a few words with them but, alas, I was marching with my daughter at the time.

Pictures later.

Update: Warriors Watch attended and rode in the parade. Thanks for all you do.