MERIDIAN, CA (MPG) – Turning off Highway 20 onto Central Road towards the small farming community of Meridian on Fourth of July morning, you can feel excitement building for a truly American holiday.

The Davis Machine Shop, a local icon in the business community, was filled with sights and sounds of military vehicles and the smiles of area veterans preparing for a hometown parade bursting with patriotic spirit.  

The local Stephen M. Brammer VFW Post 705, of Yuba City, was out in full force directing the event that bridged local communities in the small town of Meridian.

I was provided the unique opportunity to view the parade from a totally different perspective aboard a “Deuce and Half Truck” riding with local veterans. Listening to stories of them reminisce of times they spent fighting for our freedoms in conflicts past and laughing over memories of parades, I witnessed what was my biggest take away from the local parade – the look of respect given to veterans from children present along the route. Whether they were thanking veterans for their service or asking questions, the smiles on their small faces glowed with respect and gratitude.

As the color guard made their way down Central Avenue, a cross section of Americana was visible along the parade route, reflecting our area’s pride and love of country.

A fly-over from Vietnam era helicopter brought cheers from the crowd and veterans alike, opening the parade with gusto. Military vehicles were showcased, children peddled bikes down the route, local dignitaries waved, and classic cars and motorcycles gleamed as the community celebrated Independence Day.

Then National Anthem was sung by a local resident and the bugle played by a local ninety-six-year-old member of the Local Post 705 VFW to open the after-parade festivities.

Hamburgers and hot-dogs were dished out as parents laughed over the children’s “sack races” and the smiles of the children getting their faces painted on the Veterans Halls grounds after the parade.

Participating in this event is taking a step into a timeless area of American hometown celebrations.