July 4, again

July 4, 2025 again

In response to my previous post regarding July 4th, I would like to share an additional experience.

Today, we attended a brief parade featuring a single fire truck and approximately ten decorated golf carts. However, the majority of us from the Gleneagles community gathered under our awning to observe and cheer as they passed by twice. This was the same fire truck and crew that responded to a false alarm earlier that evening, but they were exceptionally gracious.

Following the parade, we proceeded to our Independence Day Celebration with the River Landing Chorus and several guest musicians. Upon arriving at the venue, we found it to be exceptionally crowded. To secure seats, we had to divide our threesome, but we were able to do so. Subsequently, there was an abundance of food, including hot dogs, hamburgers, slaw, sweet tea, corn on the cob, green beans, and an apple pie made with sugar and another made without sugar. We were permitted to return to the buffet, which I judicially declined. The food was exceptionally delicious.

What I particularly enjoyed was the fact that most attendees had dressed in attire that commemorated our 249th anniversary of Independence Day. Regardless of our location—the parade, the concert, or the dining area—people greeted and engaged in conversation with one another. It was as if we were part of a large family and had not seen one another for a year, and the atmosphere was exceptionally positive.

Finally, witnessing all of us stand at the posting of the colors, repeating together the Pledge of Allegiance, hearing a prayer to God for our country, and singing the National Anthem was truly remarkable. In today’s society, we often encounter complaints and protests from various segments of our nation. Therefore, it was a source of joy to see all of us honor God’s blessings upon our country. It is a place where these very same protests and complaints are permitted, where freedom is a divine gift, and where our independence as a nation is contingent upon our God who has willed it to us. It was humbling to be present with a group of Vietnam War veterans and our community  who are familiar with the pledge and the national anthem. It was a rare moment of genuine satisfaction in a public setting.

I am proud to be an American, and more importantly, a Christian who believes in God’s work and the blessings He has bestowed upon our nation.

Grace and Peace,

Quentin

Sharecropper’s Inheritance

4 VII 25