Independence Day Festivities Span Two Days in Rusk
By Cristin Ross, Jacksonville Daily Progress, Texas
Jul. 2–The festivities start a little early in Rusk this Fourth of July.
The Rusk Rotary Club is holding its two-day “Salute to Vets” celebration starting with a picnic from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Jim Hogg Park. All veterans are invited to participate, be recognized and share “war stories.”
“The “picnic in the park” is dedicated to all peacetime and wartime vets,” said event chair Roy Reynolds. “The entire community is urged to bring food of any sort — covered dishes, cold dishes, sandwiches, desserts, plus cold, non-alcoholic drinks, tables and chairs — so we can thank our dedicated men and women of the armed forces and show them how much we appreciate their service to our country,”
The evening will also feature live and recorded music, plus those with “war stories” will be urged to share them.
The patriotic party continues at 10 a.m. Friday with the Grand Patriotic Event’s opening ceremonies and the “Salute to Vets” parade.
“The parade marshals will be our wonderful veterans, who will be riding in wartime military vehicles supplied by Tom Townsend of Toyland Military Museum,” Reynolds said.
The Rotary Club will be distributing small American Flags around the square, while the Rusk Lions Club will be giving out red, white and blue streamers.
“The crowd is urged to throw their red, white and blue streamers towards the vets as they come by,” Reynolds said.
A contingent of the nationally known Patriot Guard Riders will lead off the parade. The Patriot Guard Riders are a motorcyclist group comprised primarily of veterans who attend the funerals of members of the U.S. Armed Forces at the invitation of the deceased’s family. As of April 2008, the group had over 137,000 members nationwide.
At the end of the parade, the entire square will join in singing with the Kate Smith version of “God Bless America.”
“Everyone will be invited to shake the hands and hug the necks of our wonderful vets who allowed us the freedom to express our love to them and to our country,” Reynolds said.
Festivities continue on the square after the parade with the first-ever Gauge Lankford memorial Firemen’s Competition; a huge antique car show and judging; live entertainment from the entertainment gazebo on the square; pie-baking contest; food and cold drinks; a bounce house for the kids; and a farmer’s market.
Sponsors include Greg James Country Motors in Rusk and Whitehead Enterprises.
Rusk VFW Post 3406 will hold an open house at noon July 4 at the post, located at 1601 E. Fourth St. in Rusk. Refreshements will be served. All vets and other community members are welcome to attend.
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Copyright (c) 2008, Jacksonville Daily Progress, Texas
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