By Harold Keller

Next Friday, the River Parishes, together with the rest of America, will celebrate the most important date in American history.  It was July 4, 1776, that the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, a formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson. It’s been 232 years that 56 signers of the document freed us from the rule of Great Britain.

As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, it is important for us to look past the big names of famous people and focus on the men and women in our communities that quietly give unselfishly to make our country a better place to live. They do this by raising children that appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. They help in local schools, volunteer in different civic organizations, and many serve in the U.S Armed Forces.  These are the people that give America a birthday worth celebrating. They have made our nation’s great history possible.

In St. John Parish, President Bill Hubbard and the Parish Council invite the public to join in the festivities on Thursday, July 3.   The parish government will honor the veterans at a luncheon which will be held at the KC Home in Reserve at 11:00 a.m. That evening, following a tribute to the veterans at 8:30 p.m., a professional firework display will begin at 9:00 p.m.  

It promises to be a party that would make our founding fathers proud, knowing that we, the people, one nation under God, are grateful for the sacrifices they made.

Our neighboring parish of St. Charles, under the leadership of Mr. V. J. St. Pierre, a marine veteran who served in Vietnam, has also planned an exciting evening on July 3. Activities will begin with a 21-gun salute at 7:30 p.m.  V. J. said, “We’re going to throw a great party for the community, keeping in mind the reason we’re able to do it.”   There will be food, patriotic music, and a firework display at 9:00 p.m.

Let’s get together and enjoy the fellowship and thank God for blessing America.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.