There Will Be Miracles: July 4th Parade in Monument

Before we arrived in Colorado, we were told that the Missionaries participate in the 4th of July Parade in Monument. They have done so for many years. We had the option of walking the parade with the missionaries or we could watch our first year. 2 miles at 7,000+" elevation after just arriving didn't sound fun sooo we selected option #2. Just walking around the Parade our bodies were aware we are no longer at sea level but we're adjusting!

Walking the parade route felt like I was stepping back in time to my childhood. Parades and fireworks were a part huge part of most 4th celebrations unless we were visiting family in Missouri or Illinois. The streets of Monument were lined with people dressed in Red, White, and Blue. Flags were everywhere. I was overcome with feeling of
nostalgia and loved the display of patriotism.

In the center of the Parade Route there was a huge Street Faire with venders from all over town. The members from Monument arranged for 2 booths for the Church. One manned by the Missionaries and the other for Family Search and Family History.

When we stopped by the booth, there were Two brothers working there. The younger Elder on the far right was entering the MTC on Wednesday to go to the Singapore mission and his brother is in our mission finishing his mission in early August. So they spent a day working together as missionaries.

They spoke to every one who would listen. Both of these young ladies left with Books of Mormon. What an amazing way to start and end a mission, serving together.

Brother Law, from Monument, saved us seats along the route with an umbrella and water right near the Judges' Grand stand. Thank you Br. Law. The Parade began with a Children's Parade.

Some walked, others rode decorated bikes, scooters, skateboards, unicycles,strollers, and some pushed wheelchairs for children who were happily waving flags.

This little guy on the tractor was especially cute.

There were a couple fly overs by pilots at the Air Force Academy just south of Monument.

Followed by a Drum and Fife Core, Soldiers in period costumes...

...and a gun powder Musket and Canon Brigade... they fired all of them...my ears are still ringing. = )

There were over 100 entreants in the parade. Brother Law said they have entered the Missionaries for several years...at least more than 4. In the past the Missionaries have been #99 of 100. But this year they moved them up to #80.

There were Knights, Princesses, and Unicorns...

...Elephants with riders and costumes...

...camels, llamas, .... and the all important wheel barrow brigade...

...Rodeo Riders and Painted Ponies...or as our granddaughters call them "my big ponies"...

...and a big tractor decked out just like just like the one in the children's parade...wonder if they're related???

....an old fashioned cycle club...

And then our wonderful group of Missionaries...

....waving the Title of Liberty...

...aren't they an impressive group?

...passing out candy and pass along cards as they went....

...as they passed, Brother Law noticed that they had also won a Judges award. When we got back to the chapel, we discovered that it was for the most impressive walking group.