Hello reader, and here we are in July, where I hope you and your loved ones had a beautiful and celebratory July 4th holiday celebrating 250 years of our great nation and this incredible experiment we call the United States. A land of the people, by the people, for the people! As long as we’re smart enough and strong enough to keep it.

I had the privilege of starting my July 4th morning at our annual parade. There’s something special about seeing our community come together at the parade. Our different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, all showing up in the same space to celebrate this big, messy, complicated experiment we’re still figuring out 250 years later. An experiment where we’ve gotten a lot right and a lot wrong. 

But I still believe in what this country can be. I see it in our community, especially when crisis strikes and people set aside differences to help one another.

But here’s what I must say: This year’s parade lacked the energy I remember from previous celebrations. I’m sure someone will write a letter saying they saw someone literally explode into a firework with a dozen eagles flying from their body while singing the national anthem. 

People were happy, yes, but........

© Santa Clarita Valley Signal