Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That is what the 4th of July means to me, how about you? Think back to the committee of five who wrote that letter to King George (no relation) saying that these 13 colonies were free from Mother England, and to stick it in his you know what! That took guts, conviction, and the most incredible foresight ever. They wrote the foundation for a new country, a road map that no one had ever had before. Just amazing, and we are all a product of their vision, guts, glory, and sacrifice. God Bless America and each of you.
We attended the Juneau Fourth Of July Parade at 11am. There were a couple thousand locals lining the streets waiting on the parade. There were no cruise ships in port until 1200 so it was all locals and us! Like all Shriners and Americans, we love parades. We love going to small town festivals, single A baseball games, and a small town parades. Americans coming together and celebrating a common community interest together. Whether it is the Salmon Fest, Blueberry Fest, Gold Rush Festival, Catfish Festival, Peanut Festival, Strawberry festival, Peach Festival, Rattlesnake Roundup, Bear Paw Festival, Scottish Highland Games, Seafood Fest or Watermelon Festivals. We absolutely love exploring small town America, and today of course, we are united in celebrating the birth of the greatest country man has ever known, America. Americans have a lot to be proud off.
The local flavor of business, politics, and children having fun. A marching, (well sort of marching) community band with the young and the old playing their favorite instruments in almost perfect harmony. Everyone was so friendly and courteous to each other. “excusing” themselves if walked in front of you. There was tons of good candy being thrown to children’s carrying bags, buckets, and large pockets.
And of course, no one Loves a Parade more than a Shriner! As you know, there are 22 Shriners Hospitals Nationwide to help take care of children’s at no cost. The Juneau-Douglas Shrine Club part of the Al Aska Temple raises money for the Children’s Hospital and the Alaska Patient Travel Fund. My fellow Nobles were having a great time zooming around the street and then stopping to give children candy and making them smile. We Love Parades.
