Kick the Anthill

The Fourth of July Parade in downtown Edmond has become one of my favorite new traditions now that we have a child.  Around 8:30 this morning, we grabbed our camping chairs and headed out early to get a good spot on the parade route.  The sky was gray and cloudy, and the threat of rain was looming, but that didn’t deter thousands from lining the streets to see the floats.  We got a fairly good spot and settled in for the show. (Pictures after the jump)

There were red balloons everywhere.  And the whole time I’m thinking how beautiful it is to see red balloons everywhere, my little one is thinking why don’t I have a red balloon?

So we took care of that problem.

And the parade began.

This year, we’ll give out a few awards to outstanding participants.

The best one.

Kirkpatrick Bank.  (I’m biased. Deal with it)

Most Likely to be Rushed to a Hospital

A 70-something man + giant bike = recipe for disaster

The “Completely Unrelated to July 4th” Award

You are looking at a giant Darth Vader with moving legs

The “I Still Live with My Mom” Award:

this guy was part of the Darth Vader entry

Yes, yes, this is all fun and games.

On a more serious note, our blog has followed and exposed a lot of disturbing things coming out of our great nation’s representatives.  But despite the fact that I don’t agree with everything that has transpired since November, there’s something about the spirit of July 4th that makes me all warm inside.

A gentle hush falls over the bustling crowd as the men in uniform present the flags at the beginning of the parade. I watched a tall gentleman beside me struggle to stand every single time the American flag passes; he rips his hat off his head and places it over his heart and a glimmer shines in his eyes.  I look at him and I’m reminded of the American pride each military man carries with him, and I let that rub off on me for a bit.

A group on military mothers carry big posters of their sons in uniform.  I join others in wiping our eyes as they pass. I’m reminded that each life lost in war equals one family torn apart back home.

A large group of International Students from UCO chant loudly “Happy Birthday America!”  It reminds me that I was free to get an education here, partially funded by government grants because my parents couldn’t afford tuition.

No matter what happens during the other 364 days of the year, today I will celebrate loudly the fact that I’m American.

God Bless this Great Country.