Candy flies through the air and skitters along the pavement, chased by little hands. Fireman heroes in shiny trucks blare the lead as sweaty faced teens playing Seventy-Six Trombones follow behind. A swell of applause rises and falls as weathered veterans solemly carry the flag, the severe lines of their faces hiding the pride.
Friends smile and wave and cheer the walkers, drivers, and odd unicycle riders. The crowds are filled with shaded babies, panting dogs, and children clutching bags of parade booty – stickers, cups, pamphlets, and treats. They are nine months to ninety years, towering basketball players to tiny band-leading midgets. They are black, brown, and white. Red, white, and blue.
They are America, my home sweet home.
Happy 4th!
And to you, sir!
Beautifully written! Happy 4th of July.
I have left you an award on my blog!
Big Fat Mama
@BFM Happy 4th! And thanks for the award! 🙂
Looks like so much fun. I spent Independance day in the Florida Keys snorkling with my kids then watching fireworks on the beach. So worth the 18 hour drive (at least until we have to drive back home *giggles*)
@LM Whoa, that sounds awesome! You are a brave woman for driving 18 hrs with the kids! 🙂
Sounds like our parade in Solvang 🙂
Looks like great fun! Love the pics.
Hi! Stopping by from MBC. Love your blog.
Have a nice day!
Hope you had a great 4th–I sure did–spent it at the White House! So cool.
Wanted to let you know I gave your blog a nod and The Versatile Blogger award. Check out my blog entry on it to see what the award requests you do…it's easy. I enjoy your blog! 🙂 Laura
@Sherrie Awesome! Did I ever tell you I drove through Solvang once? About 30 years ago. 🙂
@Veronica Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
@Laura Kaye I can't believe you were at the WHITE HOUSE! Holy cats, that's cool. And thanks for the award!! 🙂
I think every town throws candy from a fire truck! 🙂
@Laura It's the great American dream, right up there with apple pie! 🙂