Folks came out in droves Saturday to observe the historic America 250 Parade around the Old Union County Courthouse – the first Fourth of July parade to run through Downtown Blairsville.
Before the kickoff at 10 a.m., the Blairsville Downtown Development Authority transformed City Hall into a face-painting station free for patriotic kiddos. Free popcorn was also handed out for anyone feeling particularly snackish.
Continue reading with a subscription.
North Georgia News — serving Union County since 1909.
$10 a month. Cancel anytime.
As promised, the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter Sons of the American Revolution shot off a small cannon to serve as an echo through time of the “shot heard ‘round the world.” Emcees Chuck Honaker and Rob Mawyer wished America a very Happy Birthday that was met with cheers and applause from the crowd gathered around town.
“We’ve got the kids, we’ve got the veterans; this is like a Norman Rockwell painting of America, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Mawyer stated, with Honaker thanking the Sons of the American Revolution, Jim Yohe and Joshua’s Warriors for their roles in making the patriotic display a reality.
An invocation and a performance of the National Anthem marked the beginning of the parade. In a moving show of patriotism, many joined in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and everyone took a moment to clasp their hands over their hearts to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Veterans of each branch of the United States Military were also acknowledged, with shouts of “oo-rah” and cheers echoing out with the naming of each branch.
For 30 minutes, local businesses, organizations and individuals took part in a mobile celebration featuring vintage vehicles, festive costumes and clever floats put together with great dedication. Heading up the parade were local first responders such as the Union County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Shawn Dyer along with the Union County Fire Department.
Honaker and Mawyer shared a bit of American history between parade announcements, comparing those first responders to the militiamen who gave their time – and in some cases, even lives – to keeping their communities safe 250 years ago.
Parade Grand Marshal Wayne Roshaven rode through in style, offering everyone a smile and a wave. A Marine Corps veteran and former FAA air traffic control specialist, Roshaven is now known for leading the Toys for Tots initiatives in Union and Towns counties and his 20-year membership in the North Georgia Honor Guard.
Blairsville Mayor Buddy Moore also made an appearance, as did Sole Commissioner Harold Collins, who rode in a bright yellow Jeep with his daughter, Nora.
The Civil Air Patrol’s North Georgia Composite Squadron marched through, holding the flags of each military branch high to further honor those who have helped maintain America’s freedoms over the past 250 years.
Coming up on the trailer behind them were local Vietnam Veterans, specially recognized for their sacrifices and welcomed home despite the harsh treatment many endured upon their return from the Vietnam War.
The Motivated Army Seeking Heaven, aka M.A.S.H., brought awareness to the Hero Wall at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery, and they, along with the Island X-3 Navy Seabees and the Sons of the American Revolution, fit in well with the theme of honoring active servicemembers and veterans.
And the Cub Scouts represented the younger generation taking up an interest in caring for the lore and wellbeing of their country.
Veteran Jim Reed attended the parade with his wife, Melanie. They participate heavily with the local American Legion and planned to take part in their annual tradition of watching the evening’s fireworks from the Ira Weaver Post.
“It’s fantastic that we have 250 years of freedom, hard-fought, and we have a battle to go for the next 250,” Reed admitted, proud that Blairsville not only supports patriotism and made such an effort to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, but also happy to see that the community continues to think highly of his fellow veterans.
Meanwhile, the Burrs happened to be traveling through the area hiking when they decided to stop and enjoy the parade.
“This is the first time we’ve taken our kids to a parade,” said Bonnie Burr. “I thought, ‘You know, it’s a special anniversary, 250 years. It’d be good to get the kids out.’” As an American, she plans to instill in her family the importance of having the right to choose good.
Along with allowing her children to celebrate, Burr said that America 250 is “a really special moment to reflect on what we have as a country (and) where we’ve been.”
