Residents statewide joined their neighbors in a show of patriotism at several area parades Tuesday.
In Dundalk, crowds of people woke up early and took to the streets for the 72nd annual Fourth of July parade, which began at 8:15 a.m.
Even when the country was in the midst of World War II, the parade has been a constant in the community and has not missed a year, said Roy Moreland, chairman of the Heritage Parade Committee, which organizes the event.
“This pulls people together in a real greatfellowship, and of course it?s the birth of our country,” said Moreland. “It?s a tremendous incentive to cooperate, and cooperation is what we need to make a better Dundalk.”
Helen Delich Bentley, the former U.S. congresswoman after whom the Port of Baltimore was renamed in June, participated in the Dundalk parade for the first time. She became involved this year in commemoration of the port?s 300th anniversary.
“The port is a big part of Dundalk,” she said. “People here know the port, and they know its value.”
The patriotic feeling was similar for Betty Close of Baltimore City, who attended the Towson parade.
“The march of the armed forces and the politicians helps depict the nation?s independence,” she said. “The good, the bad and the ugly.”
For others however, the parade was pure fun and a chance to spend time with family.
Jack Fischel, 6, of Baltimore County, celebrated the holiday at the Towson parade with his sister, Maisie, 4, and their grandmother, Sharon Dauenhauer, from Clifton Park, N.Y. Jack said his favorite part is seeing the antique cars from which candy is thrown into the crowd.
“I like seeing the army guys, the bagpipes and getting candy with our Nana,” Jack said.
Meanwhile, in Catonsville, which held an all-day festival, including a 3 p.m. parade, the day was all about community.
“The Catonsville parade is different than all of the other parades because it?s in the spirit of the community,” said Dyann Moree, co-chair of the Catonsville Celebration Committee, which organizes the event.
Meghan Shapiro contributed to this story.
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