Letter to the Editor: Fourth of July parade

Dear Editor: 

Growing up in a small community of 3,000 people in the entire county, the main event of the year was the annual 4th of July parade which could be seen a block from where we lived. In the evening, people came from miles around to see the elaborate fireworks display at the nearby park.
 
Since moving to California in 1966, I can’t recall seeing any local parade on Independence Day, and being always busy preparing food in readiness for family barbecues and fireworks displays, I haven’t thought too much about this until today when, having no plans but to spend a quiet day at home, I decided to watch the Huntington Beach 4th of July parade.
 
How refreshing this was to see the streets, floats, and individuals carrying or displaying the American flag. How glorious it was seeing so much red, white and blue, observing happy smiles, hearing thankful words for our military and for the freedoms we have because of the actions of those fighting for us. My patriotism soared to new levels as I watched this wonderful parade with no hint of politics, racism, hatred or violence.
 
Reading again about how our country was founded on Christian principles warmed my heart to know I am part of this great society. As John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.” John Quincy Adams once said “The declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.”
 
“United We Stand” was the theme for the Huntington Beach Parade. Fellow Americans, we must stand united and refrain from hateful insults that promotes violence and discord. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12).

We must keep our God of love, hope, justice and peace in our hearts and in our laws, and we must love not hate others.
 
Martha Morrissy-Call
Downey