Parades Held Around Md. To Mark The 4th Of July
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- The Grand Old Flag flew high Monday as thousands took to the streets for dozens of Fourth of July parades.
Derek Valcourt has a look at the excitement and the red, white and blue fever.
Patriotic music, floats and fun were all part of the parades that have become such a hallmark on the Fourth of July and they were happening in cities and towns across Maryland Monday.
Military jets marked the beginning of Towson's annual Fourth of July parade, an event that had hundreds lining the streets early for the best seats.
"I've been coming down to this parade forever, bringing family down," said one.
Firetrucks, waving flags and waving politicians are part of almost any parade, but for many it's the music that brings home their love of country.
"I'm glad to see them out here. I like to hear the drums, get the stir, get the old adrenaline flowing," said another attendee.
To kids, parades are patriotism in its most basic form. For adults, it's about honoring the nation's past and celebrating America's present.
"This is a day to appreciate what a tremendous blessing we have in this great country of ours and also to appreciate the men and women who put on the uniform to defend our freedoms," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
These parades are pretty expensive to produce. The one in Towson cost $30,000. Fortunately, it was all paid for by generous donations and sponsors.
