July 4th has always been a special day of remembrance and celebration for me since I was a little boy. My dad would take me to town to watch the 4th of July parade. Subsequently, I have loved those parades, especially once I understood the meaning of July 4th by reading the Declaration of Independence.
To me, it is powerful and inspiring that the writers of this document were impressed by God to declare the principles for which our nation was founded, namely freedom and equality, are worth fighting for if challenged. The preamble states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Scripture declares Jesus’ responsibility for these rights:
Life…”I have come that you may have life…” John 10:10
Liberty (Free)…”…you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Happiness (Joy)…”I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:32
In 1976 I was stationed at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois. I was a Colonel and a Technical Training Group Commander with nearly 1000 students and instructors to oversee. 1976 was the 4th of July bi-centennial celebration and Chanute had planned many activities including a parade with nearly 600 military personnel participating. The Base community was encouraged to attend, as well as special invitations extended to the Rantoul community. I was honored to have been chosen as the Parade Commander.
As I led the parade, with the flag bearers directly behind me carrying the American flag, my mind recalled those all-important words of the Pledge of Allegiance which says “…one nation, under God…”
I love our nation and I love a parade!
George K. Feather
Colonel, USAF (Ret)