So this year, I would like to make a few observations about Independence Day that occurred to me as I attended the annual Ridgefield, Washington Fourth of July Celebration Parade.
- First, I really dislike calling this the Fourth of July. It has about as much meaning as the Third of July. It is Independence Day. That title reveals much more about the meaning of the celebration.
- Traditionally, the parade kicks off with a couple of F-15 fighter jets doing a fly over of the parade route. Very inspiring. I'm amazed at how you don't really hear the jets until they are right over you. But the raw power and grace of these machines is magnificent and a great way to start off the parade.
- When the color guard passed by at the beginning of the parade very few people actually stood. When I was growing up, I don't remember people sitting on their fat, gluteous maxumus' while the symbol of freedom and liberty passed by. That is really disrespectful although I don't think most of those who sat as the flag passed by intended to be disrespectful. I think it is a lack of education on the part of their parents and our nation.
- A young military man was riding in a Mustang. As it passed, several people applauded. To my knowledge, I was the only one who stood and applauded. That was disappointing.
- However, the next group of military came by and this time several people stood, more applause was louder, and a woman from behind me yelled, "Thanks for your service!"
- The last group of military was Marines. There were dressed in very nice looking uniforms. Most of the people stood and applauded and the woman behind me again yelled her affirmation. I think these men were very touched even as they tried to remain stoic. It was a touching moment for me.
I hope each of you have had a safe Independence Day. I hope that we all remember what happened on that day 231 years ago which birthed a new experiment in liberty such as the world has never experienced before.
