I can’t imagine a parade with more spirit of Americana than the one in Coronado, California on Fourth of July. My sister, Adrienne, arrives before dawn to reserve a prime viewing spot. The rest of us sisters, nieces, and nephews arrive later, decked out in red, white, and blue. Because San Diego County contains military bases for the Navy and the Marines, representatives from both branches march. Other participants range from the Pearl Harbor Survivors to Miss Rodeo California, and the Canine Companions for Independence to the Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band. 

The first year Olivia came home, 2004, a local TV crew filmed the parade, and a reporter pulled us out of the crowd for an interview. Somewhere at home, I have a VHS tape of me holding a two-year-old Olivia as the reporter refers to my daughter as “America’s newest citizen.”

The theme of this year’s parade was “Salute to America’s Heroes.” On the Fourth of July, we remember them with thanks.

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