Happy 4th of July everyone! Be sure to head out today to the parade and support your city and country. We would like you all to send us your photos and stories about the 4th of July in Marietta! Please email them to advertising @ whitlockavenue.com. Here is a story from one of our readers! Hope to see you all out there today!

In July 2000 the world was a simpler place as September 11 was just another day. Our country wasn’t divided to the degree that it is today. As always I took my family to the 4th of July parade in the square. We stood in the humid heat for hours to wave, clap and cheer. In front of me was a man about 75 in his VFW military hat. I was fortunate enough and close enough to see his demeanor and stance as the floats and cars passed by. When the Navy vets came by he saluted. When the Army vets came by he saluted. When the Boy Scouts came by he waved. Then the Marines came by. He pushed up a few feet and stood at attention, saluting. He didn’t move a muscle as the float passed by except for the quiver of his lip and the tears rolling down his weathered cheeks. When he cried, I cried. That day I learned the true meaning of patriotism and the respect of those who put - and have put their lives on the line in harms way every day. My heart and mind grew exponentially with respect to the heros regardless of their level or the price they have or haven’t paid. My Grandfather was one of the first to free prisoners of the holocaust. He never spoke much after WWII and certainly not about the horrors of war he witnessed. My other Grandfather was a full bird Colonel in the Air Force. They both have since passed on and I didn’t have the opportunity to say “Thank you for serving our country and allowing us to have the freedom we have today.” which I regret. To the gentleman I stood by at the parade six years ago whom I don’t know your name but I do know your heart and dedication to this country a sincere Thank You as mentioned above is in order. I’ve often wondered how you feel about today, your take on the state of affairs and your view on the new heroic stories we have heard. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow as I offer a simple “Thank you” to soldiers at random during the parade.