I always look forward to celebrating Independence Day. This year, Ironton will host its second Independence Day Parade. As previously stated, political flags and posters will not be allowed in the parade. Since we are celebrating the birth of America, the only flag that will be allowed in the parade is the American Flag, displayed in a respectful manner. The Ironton Parade Marshal has sole discretion as to the appropriateness of a poster or flag display.

On Independence Day, it is important for us to remember that we are people living in the United States of America; the key word being United. Americans must remain united, just as the authors of the Declaration of Independence were united. We Americans must find the same common ground those Americans found 244 years ago.

The common ground they stood on was God. Throughout the Declaration of Independence, the authors used phrases such as “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”, “they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world”, and “reliance on the protection of divine Providence”. The phrases used by the authors of the Declaration of Independence are references to God, in who those Americans put their ultimate faith and trust.

We Americans must follow their example by putting our faith and trust in God. Doing so will unite us as it united them. Only by standing together, with God, can we truly be the United States of America. The American Flag is a symbol of United Americans. On this Independence Day, let us be united by displaying the American Flag, as we celebrate being Americans.

Happy Independence Day!
Bob Lourwood, Mayor of Ironton, MO
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