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Local residents gather to celebrate freedom, independence, each other
By Rayma Silvers
The Fort Scott Tribune
As Americans throughout the United States assembled in small towns and big cities alike to observe the day honoring the freedoms and independence shared by those who live in the United States, local residents came together Friday night to join in the celebration.
The median in front of the Fort Scott Community College, in addition to the parking lots of two nearby churches, were filled with cars and spectators Friday night awaiting the colorful blasts of firework displays -- one of the most common traditions of July 4. Although the many different families who congregated to watch the colorful display have different traditions, most shared a common reason for celebrating -- freedom.
Having served two tours in the Vietnam War, local resident Dean Weeks said he is grateful for the opportunity to live in the United States.
"I'm just glad to be in the United States. I've been to several other countries, but I prefer this one," Weeks said.
In the mid 1700s, there were extraordinary sacrifices made in order to bring freedom to the United States of America. According to the Declaration of Independence, among those freedoms were equality and the pursuit of happiness.
The document said, "... We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness ..."
Today, with so many American soldiers currently serving overseas, Independence Day holds a special meaning for some American families.
Local resident James Hawkins said the Fourth of July has a special meaning for he and his family as they have experienced firsthand one of the sacrifices it takes for the U.S. to remain a free nation. Hawkins said that their nephew has just returned to the U.S. after serving overseas, and they have had a lot of family who have served in the armed forces in the past or who are currently serving.
"When you have family serving over seas, it makes the holiday special," Hawkins said.
The lives of those who have fought for freedom both in the past and those who are currently serving the nation seemed to be on the minds of many who were assembled for the fireworks display on Friday night.
Juanita Richardson, Gravois Mills, Mo. said the Fourth of July celebration reminds her about the freedoms that Americans have today.
"The Fourth of July is about the freedom of our country, and of course, it reminds us that our boys are still fighting for our freedom," Richardson said.
Military veteran Ron Richardson, Raymore, Mo., said for him Independence Day is a time to remember the cost of freedom.
"It (the Fourth of July) is just a time to remember about the cost of freedom and to be thankful for the men and women who paid the ultimate price for us to be free," Ron said.
For local residents Steve and Amy Woelfel, the Fourth of July reminds them of their Christian heritage. Amy said she is thankful that she has the freedom to worship God.
"I thank the Lord for the freedom He's given us. The Fourth of July is always a reminder to me to stop and take time to thank Him (God)," Amy said.
Brian Rhoades said that he and his family always take time to reflect on America and those who have fought for its freedom. Rhoades' sons Caleb and Andrew explained why the Fourth of July is so important to them.
"It (July 4th) represents our country. We do it (celebrate) to remember when we got our freedom," eight-year-old Caleb said.
In talking about the fireworks, six-year-old Andrew said, "The colors are for representing our country."
For two local youth, Rebecca and Holly Page, the patriotic holiday gives them time to spend with family.
Rebecca, 11, said, "I enjoy having fun with family and watching fireworks."
Echoing Rebecca's words, Holly said, "I just enjoy having a great time and watching awesome fireworks."
Area residents Chris Barnes and Penny Pollock-Barnes said they enjoy spending time with family on the Fourth of July. This year, Barnes said, he and his family watched the Burke Street parade.
"We went to the Burke Street Parade. It was interesting and fun. The people doing the parade really had fun," Barnes said.
The Fourth of July, better known to some as Independence Day, is a national holiday that is intended to serve as a memorial to the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pa, according to History.com.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was not completed until August, however, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of the independence of the United States, the Website said. The site also said that the first Independence Day celebration was conducted on July 8, 1776.
"The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776 at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday, however, until 1941," the site said.