17th Annual Independence Day Parade Celebrates Birth of Our Nation and Community

Plans are underway for the River Hill Community Association’s 17^th Annual Independence Day Parade which will be held the morning of Monday, July 4. This celebration of the thirteen American colonies declaring their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain is a tradition anticipated and enjoyed by River Hill residents of all ages.

Although the Continental Congress actually voted on July 2, 1776 to form the United States of America, our country celebrates the birth of our nation, Independence Day, on July 4, the date the Declaration of Independence was signed. The parade epitomizes the hopes of John Adams from Massachusetts who, in a letter written to his wife Abigail in July of 1776 following the vote for independence by the Continental Congress, wrote “…I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival…It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

By joining together in patriotic celebration, we are reminded annually of the efforts and sacrifices of our predecessors and those that continue to be made on behalf of the United States of America. River Hill’s Independence Day Parade is an opportunity for us to recognize our elected officials and honor veterans of foreign wars. It is also a chance to celebrate the diversity and strengths of our community through the participation of local non-profit organizations, scout troops, sports teams, area businesses, and others. So, come up with a plan to march in the parade, dig out those lawn chairs, hoist the American flag, find your red, white, and blue and join the River Hill Community Association in celebrating Independence Day!