COLUMN: Wave Your Old Glory

Very few events can sum up living in small town America like a Main Street 4th of July parade. Such patriotism is neither Democratic nor Republican but simply way to honor our country’s claim for freedom. This is a time to set aside political differences and appreciate the freedoms we all share as a country and as Americans. 

The Thomas Jefferson Rusk Rotary Club has revived that tradition as the local Rotarians once again sponsor this year’s 4th of July parade on Friday. Elected officials, dignitaries and floats will parade to the delight of throngs of flag waving residents lining the streets around the square. The grand marshals this year will be the high school seniors who have enlisted already into various military services. The parade will begin at 9:30 on the usual route around the square in downtown Rusk.

The Gage Lankford Memorial Fireman's Competition will be held following Rusk’s Fourth of July parade in the city’s downtown. Teams representing several local fire departments from the area will compete for the fastest time connecting a firehose in three places for an uninterrupted flow. The annual event launched July 4, 2008 and following a two-year hiatus, marks the second year the revived event has been held and sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Rusk Rotary Club. 

Not to be outdone, the annual Flotilla hosted by the Lake Jacksonville Association on the Fourth of July will put folks in a festive mood on Friday, seeing piers and homes decorated for the holiday, as well as watercraft parading in sight of the shore. The flotilla begins around 10:00 a.m. at Buckner Dam. 

The Association later will put on its annual huge fireworks show over Lake Jacksonville beginning around 9:15p.m.