Independence Day is still alive and well in small town America. I have observed and participated in many 4th of July parades in the past. This year my better half and I decided to get on the motorcycle and ride a few miles south of our home to a small town called Creswell and attend their annual Independence Day celebration. Creswell is a small town of about 5,000 people but they have more patriotism than most large cities.

They start the day with a pancake breakfast followed by a military flyover that includes fighter jets flying low over the town directly above the parade route. The parade is one of the most patriotic and interesting spectacles in the state. The town is completely packed full of people from all over the area anxious to celebrate and show their patriotic spirit. After the jets pass over the town, the parade kicks into gear led by local law enforcement with sirens and lights. Next the honor guard carrying flags and escorted by local county sheriffs mounted on horseback. Next , members of the “Combat Vets Motorcycle Club” escorted a string of military vehicles.

I got a little choked up when I heard a live performance of God bless America from one of the parade floats. The parade was rounded out nicely with a bunch of classic cars, tractors, marching bands, groups of kids on bicycles, more motorcycles, Uncle Sam in the back of a pickup truck, and even an Elvis impersonator in a Cadillac. The festivities of the day also included a performance by “Elvis” , other musicians, and a fireworks show at dusk.

The thing that stood out to me the most about this celebration was the sense of community and mutual patriotism. As crowded as it was in this little town, everyone seemed to be friendly. People were courteous and polite. I had complete strangers smile and say “hello “ to me and as usual, fellow bikers acted as if we were old friends. Even in heavy traffic, people would stop and motion others in from side streets and act like we were all on the same team. I couldn’t help but feel that we were all Americans celebrating our independence, freedom, mutual love for our country. If the entire country could come together like small town America, the majority of our problems would disappear. Our history as a nation is built on people from many different backgrounds coming together to stand up and fight for what is right. I am as guilty as the next guy when it comes to getting focused on myself or my daily schedule and ignoring those around me. If we as Americans could just get in the mindset that we are all Americans and become more like small town America, maybe we would not focus as much on how different others are from us and start seeing the similarities and the things we have in common. We all love our country and enjoy the freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution . Last but not least – support our troops and thank our Veterans for standing up and defending our freedom.