Fourth of July

In honor of George Washington

/ J. F. Riordan / 10 Comments

Today is George Washington’s birthday. He was a flawed human being, but also a great man. I hope we will all take a moment today to recognize his service to Divine Providence, in providing us with a country in which we can argue about his integrity, fight for freedom, and make the changes necessary to ensure that All Men—and Women—Are Created Equal. This country is a project, not a completed act of perfection. We have George Washington to thank for that. We owe it to ourselves and to posterity to ensure that his history—warts and all—is taught and remembered.

Today, may I suggest we all sit down for half an hour and read Washington’s Farewell Address which is a reminder and an admonishment to all Americans.

Small Town Glory

/ J. F. Riordan

We had a perfect Fourth of July parade with all the proper small town things.

We had veterans of all ages and kinds of service (whose pictures I don’t have because we were all clapping and cheering for them).

We had the volunteer Fire Department marching in crisp blue dress uniforms. ( For whom we also clapped, but I was not wiping away tears so I was able to take pictures.)

We had the vintage fire trucks.

We had the fire department’s dog.

We had the vintage tractors.

Lots of them.

We had the Giant Pink Metal Pig.

As one does.

We had the Boy Scouts.

We had the horses.

And the goats.

And the politicians with goats.

We had the marching bands.

And the giant shoe.

And, of course, we had the obligatory singing dog.

 

A splendid time was had by all.