"Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, to thee we sing!" ~ "My Country, 'Tis of Thee” V4
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, is a cherished
U.S. holiday marked by enduring traditions and unique festivities. There’ll be
parades, rodeos, MLB baseball, and, of course, fireworks. Joey Chestnut will
return to Coney Island’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, and people will take an Oath
of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens at government sites, stadiums, and historic
venues “from sea to shining sea.”
But there’s simply nothing better than the way small towns in
America embrace and display their patriotic pride! They display classic
Americana that you can't get in big city events. Everyone pitches in, from the mayor
driving her antique car to a banker pulling a float with his 1928 John Deere
Model C tractor.
On July 4th, in this tiny, fictional town, excitement
grows as the day’s festivities get set to begin. Lines form early along curbs,
people vying for that perfect spot along Main Street. Life here is lived up
close; today, residents will celebrate and mourn together.
It’s more than a time for family gatherings and public celebrations.
Here, America’s birthday offers a chance to reflect on our nation's heritage
and the sacrifices made for freedom. It's a day to take pride in the nation's
progress and achievements.
A marching band follows, playing familiar tunes. Steeped in
red, white, and blue decorations, it features a float made by a local hardware
store. Leo, its owner, wore a straw hat and dangled a paper fish from a pole,
pretending he was fishing. Local kids walked beside the float, cheerfully tossing
candy to eager children.
The procession included clowns, fire and rescue vehicles, Shriner cyclists, and people dressed in historic costumes. Some take the
opportunity to show off their favorite pet.
The parade route stretched about three blocks, ending at
the park where members from the American Legion grilled hamburgers and hot
dogs. Adults visited with one another while kids swam, played sand volleyball,
and got their faces painted. Traditional games like sack races, watermelon seed
spitting contests, turtle races, and a 10k run contribute to the day's special
atmosphere.
As the day lingered, some fished or napped until it was
time for fireworks. Hundreds of brilliant, explosive, once-a-year fireworks
light the sky! Maybe they pale by comparison to large pyrotechnic celebrations,
but to these townies, they were magical.
The day retreats too quickly as darkness blankets the night.
They were together on this day, together in one place, gazing up at the stars
together. It’s a perfect ending for this charming small town on the Fourth of
July.
Precious Lord, today we’re reminded of those
who’ve sacrificed for our freedom, just like Your Son, Jesus. Let us never take
freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May we always remember that
a very high price was paid for both. Amen
