A brighter Fourth: Downstaters celebrate as they emerge from pandemic

By Glenn Rolfe
Posted 7/4/21

MILLSBORO — It’s certainly not the biggest Independence Day extravaganza.

But in Millsboro, it’s something special.

Red, white and blue were prevailing colors Sunday for …

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A brighter Fourth: Downstaters celebrate as they emerge from pandemic

Posted

MILLSBORO — It’s certainly not the biggest Independence Day extravaganza.

But in Millsboro, it’s something special.

Red, white and blue were prevailing colors Sunday for the 15th annual installment of the Children’s Fourth of July Celebration and Parade, staged at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

More than a dozen children, some accompanied by parents or family members, paraded around the circular labyrinth — on foot, in wagons, on scooters and bikes, all decked out in patriotic salute to America’s freedom and independence.

“As long as there are children, they are our future,” said Millsboro resident Dottie LeCates, founder of the event. “If there is five or 10, or if there is 500, we’re going to be here. We’ve had larger crowds. But today, we had first-time people here. We had people from this conception here. We had people who care for these gardens. We had grandmas, grandpas and the Scouts. If you take just a few minutes for God and country, we’ve got it.”

Proud Americans Rebecca and Hunter Proudfoot of Millsboro brought their children, 7-year-old Makayla, who paraded in a scooter, and 2-year-old Camden, who rode in a wagon.

“I think it is important to be proud of America and all the freedom that we all have enjoyed, that everyone is working to have, and project across this world as a beacon,” Mr. Proudfoot said. “We want them to be proud of who they are.”

This year more than ever, as the nation has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, she said she wants them to appreciate what they have in America.

“And also here in Millsboro, the small community and the support of the community,” said Ms. Proudfoot. “Because without that the last year would have been even tougher than what it was. It’s great that they can actually do this again this year and get out, and experience what we had when we were kids.”

Sunday’s event featured a special grand marshal: 10-year-old Georgetown resident Levi Layfield, who made his Children’s Celebration and Parade debut in a stroller several weeks after he was born in June 2011.

“I don’t really remember anything of that,” said Levi, who carried an American flag in leading the children’s parade three times around the labyrinth.

Levi, a student at Southern Delaware School of the Arts, is learning about U.S. history and the true meaning of Independence Day. “It’s about our country,” he said, adding that the red in the American flag stands for blood that was shed in the fight for liberty and freedom.

Millsboro Mayor Michelle Truitt and Millsboro Police Chief Brian Calloway shared their thoughts at the event.

“As a middle school history teacher, I’m usually the first to remind my students about important dates, events and their impact on their lives,” said Mayor Truitt.

Her focus Sunday was on the Pilgrims, who fled religious persecution in England. The year 2020 marked the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims landing in Plymouth Harbor.

“Please take the time to remember that we enjoy freedoms today only because of these early pioneers 400 years ago,” said Mayor Truitt.

Chief Calloway offered thanks.

“This year, I know it has been tough on all of us. But I’m looking back at a lot of things and I try to always look at a silver lining and think about things that I am grateful for. I’m also thankful that the people that are here, many of you look very familiar, and I am glad to see each and every person here,” Chief Calloway said.

“Today we are celebrating our independence. I am certainly thankful for that. I am also thankful that we have been able to recover this year as a nation to be able to do that. We talk about the home of the free. How does that happen? That’s because of the people that serve that can make us live in a free world. I’m thankful this is the greatest country that has ever been created.”

The youth movement followed American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28, a longtime participant in the event. Boy Scout Troop 89 of Millsboro participated in the procession, which featured St. Mark’s crucifer Mike Treml.

Sussex County’s popular songbird, Cathy Gorman, led in the singing of the national anthem and God Bless America.
Again, the event is all about children, Ms. LeCates emphasized.

“We should follow the children,” Ms. LeCates said. “That is a biblical source … until the day I die I’ll be following the children.”

Each child received a special gift for participating.

Those attending were treated to a free lunch of grilled hot dogs, chips, desserts and beverages.

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