by Mary Bubbins

Created on: June 28, 2008

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that compares to the excitement of a parade on the Fourth of July.

Attending the local parade every year has been the highlight of the holiday for me ever since I was a small child. It is now an excitement that I share with my own children. When we wake up on this very sacred morning, we all experience an extra rush of andrenaline as we prepare ourselves for the sights and sounds that await us.

When you live in a small to moderate size town, the patriotism seems to be even more evident among those who are anxiously awaiting for the festivities with you. People you don't know suddenly become your friend, even if only for an hour. It's truly amazing how our love for this country and those who fought for it can bring strangers together.

You find yourself caught in a moment of pride as your emotions well up inside you. This feeling only intensifies as you hear the faint sound of music and suddenly the crowd grows quiet, straining to hear and stretching their necks to catch the first glimpse of those who are proudly marching. I have always found myself tearing up when I see the high school band preceed the car that carries the members of our local V.F.W. These are the men who have laid their lives on the line so that we may celebrate this very day. The are the young, the old and the in between who have served our nation throughout the years and it is with immense pride that I salute them as they drive by.

Next comes the baton twirlers, gracefully keeping step as they mesmerize you with their talent. Behind them are the fire trucks with our volunteer firemen in full uniform, their heads held high as they drive past, an obvious gleam of love for their country shining in their eyes.

And then the bagpipes. You hear the bagpipes in the distance and here come the Scottish in their kilts, playing the sweetest sound I have ever heard. This has always been one of my favorite parts of the parade, for they are not only a pleasure to watch, but their performance is one that is perfection.

Last but not least are soldiers from our local base. The National Anthem is playing, our flag is waving and as they walk past you, you can almost hear them say, "I am here to protect you. Nothing will harm you on my time." When I see them, I feel the lump in my throat grow so large that I can't contain it anymore and the tears fall down my face like a waterfall. These men weren't drafted; they are protecting our freedom and our flag because they want to. There is no greater gift than this. It is a priveledge to watch them as they walk past.

I know that not every city's parade is the same, but this is my parade and I love it. To watch the children wave their miniature flags gives me hope that our future generations will love the Fourth of July as much as I do. And for one day, everyone around me has the same sense of pride that I do.

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