Though US Independence Day is a national celebration, nobody does it up quite like Texans do.  As long as I can remember, my family has attended the Arlington, Texas 4th of July Parade.  It is the largest parade of its kind in Texas and is the anchor to our Independence Day weekend celebration.

In 2001, my husband and I were married in Arlington on the 4th of July.  His wedding gift to me was a float that morning in the parade.  Since then, my family has sponsored an entry in the parade - we turned the float planning/building over to UT Arlington in 2004.  With deployments almost every year since then, it has proven easier to be the "silent backer" versus a float-builder.

2001 Wedding Float

This year, my husband's entire family came to visit us for the weekend.  15 Ohio-ans braved the Texas heat in order to share this special 8th wedding anniversary with us.

I am truly reminded of the importance of family, tradition, and independence on days like this!