I was going to tell you about childhood memories, but after today, I've decided to share a few things I've become aware of concerning Independence Day in America.

What changed my mind was the morning parade here in our little
suburb city. We gathered up the Grand-dog, leash and off we went in the truck to the community area. Hundreds of people lined the usually very busy double, tree-lined boulevard. People with baby prams, bike strollers, every imaginable portable chair from super size to toddler... I couldn't believe the number of people! I wondered as we looked for a parking space who would be in the parade if so many people were on the parade route.

We walked Harley in the grass and just marveled at the number of families who had come together... now you must remember, we are originally from the Land of Mardi Gras and the number of people was impressing both Cute Husband and me!

After a bit, we saw bright twirling lights from the local fire truck and walking in front of it was a group of elderly men, dressed in their finest, each carrying a beautiful American flag with great dignity and honor. As I watched them approach. I marveled as each group of families stood, men took their hats off, fathers quickly helped their children put a hand over their heart, mothers gave the "finger on the lips" signal and pointed toward the flag. My heart was swelling! I had to tell myself to breath. It was silent and beautiful and most sacred. As the group of older men passed with the flags, families scampered to their seats again and the parade continued....

It went on and on and on... Cub Scout Pack after Boy Scouts, local swim clubs, school clubs, charity groups, political parties and local diginitaries... each having fun and shouting for over 2 hours!

"God Bless America!"
"Happy Independence Day!"
"Happy Birthday America!"
"It's the Fourth of July!"

At least a thousand people were in the parade, dressed out in red,white and blue with sparkles on bike handles and primped pick-up trucks and the cutest decorations on each and every person and vehicle.

I stood there the entire time and remembered,
"We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, do establish ...."

We the People of the United States, WE make the United States what it is... every single one of us. I thank God for American, with all her cuts and bruises and scraped knees and elbows. We are one of the younger countries on our planet, but we are WE the People! We've come a long way ... through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI and II. Viet Nam, Iraq... We the People have made some huge mistakes but have done a whole lot of things right as well. We remain united under the beauty of red, white and blue.

I, for one, am proud to be an American and today I saw evidence of hundreds of people teaching their children to be proud of our Nation. Put your hands over your heart and look carefully... there goes our flag.