Independence Day Parade on Main Street

 

Brianna DeRusha

Gila Valley Idol Winner Brianna DeRusha

On Monday, July 4th, the Independence Day parade was ready to begin. Earlier that day there was a children’s bicycle decorating contest and a tribute vocal group. Multiple venders were selling their wears, and people lined Main Street in excitement. The Thatcher Fire Department raised the flag, and the Honor Guard performed a gunned salute. Gila Valley Idol winner, Brianna DeRusha sang the national anthem, and second place finalist Brianna White sang, “God Bless America.”  Buddy Reynolds of VFW Post 10

other brianna

Gila Valley Second Place Finalist Brianna White

385, read the Flag Folding Ceremony. Once the flag was presented, the parade began.

Familiar faces smiled and waved to the crowd as they made their way down the streets. It was a warm morning, but it was worth it to the onlookers to band together and celebrate. Children rode their decorated bicycles, and political officials waved to their contingencies. For those who missed the flag folding ceremony, the script is below.

 

 

Flag folding ceremony script found on www.legion.org

 

Symbols for the Folds of the Flag

 

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

 

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

 

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

 

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.

 

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

 

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

 

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

 

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

 

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

 

The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

 

The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

 

The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

 

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

 

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

 

 

 

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