Let's Not Forget..

[Bobby Bass]

Residents and tourist a like line Main Street waiting for the parade to begin here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Old gentlemen stand along the sidewalk holding hands with their wife's. Dressed in there Sam Snead hats and short sleeve shirts, pressed khaki pants with a sharp crease and brown belts hidden under overhanging bellies. Their wife's wearing wide brimmed hats and flowered dresses make small talk with other couples. Young parents attempt to keep track of running children who dart back and forth into the street. Holding cotton candy and sporting small American flags in their hands they wave them high over their heads as they run just out of reach of their parents. A small town parade is nothing like ones in the big city. No one is lined five or six deep here. As a matter of fact there is even some space open along the street curb.

The old clock built into the face of the bank chimes the first of twelve tones and the crowd settles down. Coming off First street the VFW color guard appears and five wide they march around the corner stepping smartly on to Main Street. The American flag held high front and center. Behind in the quiet you hear the rhythmic sound of horse hooves hitting the pavement. From around the corner appears our Eagle Scout John Smyth holding onto the reins of a jet black stallion. The horse is hitched to an all black wagon empty of driver and load. The sun shines of the polished wood of the wagon. The muscles of the horse ripple with each step it takes. The clop clop of the hooves lifting and then falling to the pavement ring out in the quiet. The horse and wagon come down the center of the street. Hands cross hearts and old soldiers stand at attention. Right hands in sharp salutes they hold as the wagon passes. Moist eyes can be seen if you look.. Lost brothers and fathers. Daughters and friends are represented by the driver less wagon.

Lets not forget why we celebrate the 4th of July ............ The wagon continues down Main Street and a minute later the parade turns the corner onto Main Street. Clapping and cheering the crowd along the side walk greets the parade and their fellow townspeople. From Lake Iwanttobethere