Another of the many things I cherish about our wonderful country is the patriotism Americans proudly and enthusiastically display in celebration of Independence Day. Flags fly as families and friends gather for neighborhood parades and backyard barbecues all across the nation. We’re proud of our heritage and, although our history is comparatively short by world standards, on this day more than any other we embrace and celebrate the birth of our great nation.

One such gathering is the “Fab 40’s 4th of July Parade”. Billed as the oldest continuing neighborhood parade west of the Mississippi, this East Sacramento event has become a tradition with us. Hundreds of neighborhood families get involved, decorating anything with wheels, themselves, their kids and even their dogs! It’s always a fun outing and I always bring a camera. I’ve posted a gallery of 40 images to give you a taste of East Sacramento Americana. Enjoy, and have a wonderful 4th of July. God bless America!

This is my final “official” Patriot’s Journey post for 2007 although I’ll continue to photograph and write about this great land of ours as the mood strikes me. If you’d like to re-read any of my previous “Patriot’s Journey” posts, click on “archives” in the navigation bar on the right, then click on “Patriot’s Journey” and you’ll be directed to all of this year’s related posts. And I’m sure my fellow journeyers, JimK, Scott, Larry, Drumwaster, and Cosmicbabe would appreciate a visit, too. I’ve enjoyed participating in this year’s journey with some terrific bloggers and hope to do it again next year. ‘Til then, God bless America!