As we leave the month of June and head straight into July with Independence Day this Sunday, we should all take a moment and enjoy what independence really means to us. To me it’s the freedom to make my own choices, live my life as I wish, without worry that someone will take that away from me, based on their beliefs if they are contrary to mine.
As we start to celebrate the 4th of July let us also remember all the men and women who have died for our independence, for their families and loved ones.
On Saturday July 3rd at the yearly memorial service after the parade Mike Jones and Randy Frye will be speaking on behalf of this year’s parade grand marshal Corporal Barry Lynn Brinegar — who was killed in action on February 8th 1971. Please come out to the memorial park for this service as well and the changing of the flags.
If you or your organization is planning on participating in this year’s parade please be at the boat ramp at the edge of town before 8:30 a.m. so you can get into the line up, so the parade can start promptly at 11 a.m. Patriot is known for its parade and the celebration of Independence Day, so if you can please join us in the festivities. The parade will travel through town so please be aware of what will be closed off and make plans accordingly. The parade is a tradition for Patriot, and due to the pandemic last year we were unable to have it, so lets bring it back in grand fashion.
There will be activities set up at Harris Park for the kids and adults to enjoy throughout the day. We will end the evening with a beautiful firework show as we did last year, which brings me to once again remind everyone that the boat ramp and lot at the edge of town will be closed starting at noon on July 3rd to noon on July 4th for the safety of all participants of the parade and fireworks.
Like last year there will be food trucks set up in town for lunch throughout the day. The vendors who have been confirmed are Holy Smoke Pork & More, Kona Ice, and Auntie Ann’s Pretzels. Along with these vendors the Patriot Station ll firehouse will be opening its doors for the festivities. They will have hot dogs and chips for purchase. Please come support not only our local fire department but also the food trucks that are coming from all over to help in this year’s celebration. Also remember our local business will be open as well, so try to stop in and shop local.
The Patriot Baptist church will be holding its mini Vacation Bible School from July 6th-8th at 5:30 p.m. with a picnic at Harris Park on the last day. Ages 5 through 16 are welcome to come learn and enjoy fellowship with others from around town.
For everyone celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week, have a happy week. In the next week people all over town will be celebrating with families, if you are setting off fireworks please remember to use caution and have safety in mind. Another thing to keep in mind while enjoying fireworks either at home or out and about many people and animals are not as fond of them as others, please remember to watch your pets and care for people with sensitivities to these kinds of celebrations.
Enjoy the blessings of freedom and independence, but also do your part and work hard to appreciate it….. Author unknown.
I hope and pray everyone has a wonderful and safe week and Independence Day weekend.