July 6, 2012
For people who live in the urban core, sometimes it’s easy to lose touch with America. Truth be told, even those living in the suburbs or the heartland have a hard time remembering the freedoms and sacrifices from which this country was born. The hustle and bustle of the rat race makes for a good excuse as to why we don’t act more on our so-called national pride. And these days, unless it’s with a hidden agenda in mind, we tend toward more acts of divisiveness than unity. That’s why I look forward to summer and small town parades, where for at least one day a year we’re called upon to wear patriotism on our sleeves – literally.
On July 4th small town main streets come alive all over this country with parades full of off-key Sousa, souped-up Camaros, baton twirling beauty queens, candy tossing politicians, and fire trucks blowing their sirens and honking their horns. I grabbed a lawn chair, loaded up on the sunscreen and waved my arm off, first in Madeira and then in Montgomery at their respective Independence Day parades. And you know what, I’ve never felt more proud to be an American.
There are too many people trying to pull us in the wrong direction by pointing the finger at someone else. At least for one day, we could put our differences aside and remember the meaning behind those red, white and blue colors.
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Contributing writing and photo credits: Ken Munson
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