Art
July 4th parades were central to American civic life, drawing entire communities together to celebrate independence. For ordinary people, these annual gatherings were often the year's biggest public event—a day off work, a chance to see neighbors, and a shared expression of national belonging.
Art · Full story
The brass band rounds the corner, drums echoing off brick storefronts. Families stake out spots along Main Street, children perched on fathers' shoulders, mothers fanning themselves in the summer heat. Flags snap overhead—homemade bunting strung between lampposts, store windows dressed in red, white, and blue. A horse-drawn float creaks past, crepe paper flowers trembling with each step.
Reflect
When was the last time you celebrated something together with your whole neighborhood or town?