Fourth of July Celebrations

[McD]

So Fourth of July is all about celebrating our country's independence and honoring your veterans and servicemembers. My city always has a big shindig--parade, carnival, fireworks, etc. There is also a concert of patriotic music.

The parade is a two hour long affair that is always lead by the American Legion/VFW presenting the flag. It makes me cry every year to see the thousands of people lined up for the parade go completely silent, take their hats off, place their hands on their heart in respect for our country and our veterans.

The National Guard band marches and plays in the parade. The Patriot Riders also ride through (I love those fellas!). My favorite part this year was the Honor Flight veterans riding through the parade. Honor Flight Network

The Honor Flight float came through much later in the parade and for the second time thousands of people stood up and clapped and cheered and saluted the WWII veterans that we still have here in Iowa. I cried. And I am not a cryer. But it was beautiful. It was my most favorite part of the parade.

At the parade, people were handing out little flags to wave. Wesley got one and he carried that around all day. At one point, he held it up and asked me, "Do you know what this is? This is the American Flag. This is a symbol of America." He has now made up a song that he sings to us, "If you love America, wave your flag. Wave your flag. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEE YOUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRR FLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG!" Once you get past the bellowing at the top of the lungs, it's really quite heartwarming.

So how did your city celebrate the Fourth?

[Tnmom]

I actually spent all day in bed yesterday..Food poisoning ..but Friday night(after midnight) I headed downtown to send a Soldier off on a 50 mile run. He ran in Memory of a Fallen Brother who lost his life on June the 11th in Iraq.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts: Have You Honored A Fallen Hero???

Izzy's parents are my dear friends and I was honored to start my 4th of July holiday by sharing in his memory and by honoring the sacrifice that he made for our country.