Tuesday, I witnessed two very good demonstrations of patriotism, the Village of Ostrander and the City of Delaware July 4 parades. Both of these events were well attended and masterfully orchestrated, demonstrating beyond any doubt that the spirit of America and the pride of our national heritage are alive and well in central Ohio.

It was my first ever opportunity to watch the Village of Ostrander parade, and what a parade it was. The parade lasted over forty minutes and was fraught with floats demonstrating that community’s pride in their village, marching units from Boy Scouts to baseball teams, pristine antique tractors, fire trucks from all over Delaware and Union Counties, classic vintage autos, high school cheerleaders and the Buckeye Valley Alumni Band. The Village of Ostrander, Mayor Crile, and the Ostrander Civic Groups that champion this event can be justly proud of the way they celebrated our nation’s birthday.

The City of Delaware parade was another shining example of how central Ohio celebrates our nation’s birthday. The parade included marching units, fire equipment, motorcycles, vintage autos, antiques fire trucks, and church floats. Again, it demonstrated what the citizens of Delaware think about our National Holiday. A special thanks to the Boeriu family from Ashley for refusing to let this wonderful parade drop off the calendar because of sponsorship. If you missed these exceptional patriotic parades this year do yourself a favor, plan on attending them next year. You will not be disappointed.