Small towns

Small towns often get overlooked because they don't always have all the amenities to offer like bigger towns or cities do.  There is one very large positive about smaller towns, they remember. 

They remember what it's like to be patriotic, they remember to fly the flag and they remember to bring the flags to half staff when an order is to be executed.  They remember that Independence Day isn't just about fireworks.

Last year, we had just arrived back from living overseas for the past five 4 of July holidays.  We had missed the parades and the fireworks.  My hometown is one of those smaller towns and last year we watched at the outpouring of community involvement in the parade and other activities throughout the day to commemorate that day.  This year, we were in another smaller town hours away, but the outpouring was the same. 

Along the streets kids proudly waved the flag and the parade was ongoing.  After the parade was a ceremony done in honor of all veterans.  They actually run their ceremony for five days here, which includes concerts and a car show among other activities.  Events like this is something that bigger towns have gotten away from.  They put on the traditional firework show, but that's the extent of it. 

It was nice to see that some haven't forgotten that the 4th of July is a holiday for celebrating with fireworks, but it's also a holiday to reflect back and salute those who have continued to keep this country free for the last 236 years.  May we never forget those who have served this country and the sacrifices they have made.