Merrittstown residents line streets for parade
MERRITTSTOWN – A rainy day did not stop crowds of people from gathering along the flag-lined streets of Merrittstown Tuesday to take in the 40th annual Merrittstown 4th of July Parade. In the center of town, patriotic music was played for all to hear before the opening ceremony took place. Cindy Gholami and Kayla Butorac were selling homemade ice cream sandwiches decorated with red, white and blue sprinkles that seemed to be a hit with the crowd.
Gholami recalled that she and her brother, Chuck Lucostic, were among the few neighborhood children who marched in the first parade 40 years ago. Because the children had wanted to do something special to celebrate Independence Day, Gholami’s aunt, Helen Burns, organized a small parade, and the neighborhood’s youth made signs to show their patriotism as they marched through town with American flags and a few musical instruments.
Over the years, the tradition grew into a much larger affair, with several local communities participating.
“This is something we grew up with and it is very sentimental,” said Gholami, adding that the parade is held on the Fourth of July each year.
Despite the large crowd, Gholami said it was a small turnout compared to what it would have been if the holiday were during the weekend.
“A lot of people come back home for this,” said Gholami, noting that family reunions in Merrittstown usually take place during the Independence Day festivities. “A lot of people are here every year and people will have their family picnics during the day, and at night we have our fireworks. This really is a great hometown family parade.”
Butorac said this was her first year attending the parade, but so far, it was everything she expected it to be.
“Everyone comes out and it really means a lot to people,” said Butorac.
Before the spectators viewed the local fire trucks, classic cars, bikes and horses, the Rev. Herman Jackson gave an invocation, asking God to bless “the men and women serving overseas and on American soil,” and he asked that everyone would remember “those who have gone before us and made such great sacrifices” for the country’s freedom.
State Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar) wished the nation a happy birthday and reminded people of the great change that took place in the world on Independence Day.
“230 years ago, 56 men gathered in Philadelphia in a small room to come up with an idea and a document that would grant our freedom,” said Kasunic. “They talked about the self truth that all Americans were created equal and had the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness. We still live by that doctrine. Today, we are able to gather and enjoy the freedoms that those men dreamed about.”
Kasunic reminded everyone that the freedom we have came at a high price for those who have fought to make sure it was never lost.
State Rep. Peter Daley (D-California) also spoke about the introduction to the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the entitlement of all men and women to live freely.
“Who would know that by signing one document, the whole world would change,” said Daley. “From that point forward their words would resound around the world. Here we are today, living in freedom. God bless the United States of America.”
State Rep. H. William DeWeese thanked everyone who participated in the day’s events, and recognized that family who started the tradition so long ago. He pointed out that the nation’s founding fathers never gave up on their quest for the nation’s freedom, and those participating in the celebration of that freedom had the same spirit of patriotism in their hearts.
“Everyone here has followed through with that dream of democracy,” said DeWeese. “Today, while you enjoy your families, friends and hotdogs, remember the military men and women who have protected this country.”