July 4, 2013 Happy Independence Day USA

Happy Independence Day to everyone out there reading my blog.  It's great to live in this great country of ours and to have our freedoms and be able to celebrate them in peace.  Thanks to all those who served in the military past and present who have contributed to this freedom.  In addition, thanks to all the Foreign Service members who are stationed in dangerous posts throughout the world.  It was a comfort to know that our government & military would come to our aid in the past when we were serving our country.

One of the highlights for us has always been the parades and fireworks.  In the past, local & state politicians would take this opportunity to give long speeches and promise you everything.  We were spared this on this 4th since nobody is running for office this fall.  

We went to the Harrisburg, NC, 4th of July parade this morning very early and had a good time.  Barbara was working a booth along the parade route and we managed to find her group and sit next to the booth and visit with her a little.

Barbara, 2nd from right.

 The 4th celebration always has to have Uncle Sam present and he showed up for this parade.

 

  
Gerry took over 100 pictures during the parade and I have narrowed them down to a few that highlight the parade and some of the participants.

This will be a two part posting today.  Barb, Henry, Gerry, Larry Jr., Jane, Grant and I are going to see the new Lone Ranger movie today and then adjourn to Larry & Jane's house for a 4th of July picnic and then some fireworks.  So, check back later to see how our day went.

Well, it is later now and we are back at the motorhome.  The gang went to the movies today and saw The Lone Ranger and enjoyed it very much.  A number of people have said they didn't care for it, but we all found it entertaining.  It sure wasn't like any other Lone Ranger movie we've seen in the past.  Lots of action, Tonto was the star and the Lone Ranger was a wuss.  I won't go into any further description of the movie, but check it out and see for yourself if you like it.

After the movie we all went to Larry Jr & Jane's house for a traditional 4th of July dinner.  Traditional is hotdogs, hamburgers, baked bean, homemade potato salad, snacks, watermelon and adult beverages.  Ryan, Dee and Griffin joined us for dinner and we had a nice long chat with them and Gerry got her baby fix.  It was great seeing them and all being together for the holiday.

Larry Jr. shot off the fireworks he bought on Wednesday afternoon.  He had a very nice selection and we enjoyed seeing the display.  His neighbors also had fireworks and two of them had the ones that shot up in the air and burst apart.  The four neighbors should get together next year and have a great display.  It sounded like WWIII out there on his porch for a while with all the fireworks in the area.

We visited for a while and then headed back home.  We are worn out and ready for bed.  Wouldn't trade the day for anything and had a great time.

Hope you all enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations as much as we did.   Happy Birthday USA!!