PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — During a Fourth of July celebration that included barbecues, children’s activities and music, many people took the time to reflect on what the holiday means to them.“It’s about our independence and our freedom to live the way we choose,” said Carol Wilson of Presque Isle as she enjoyed a hot dog lunch with her husband Bud Wilson during the Presque Isle Elks’ annual Fourth of July celebration at Riverside Park.
Despite the humid weather, families crowded the park to listen to country and pop tunes from local band The Good Ole Boys and Girls, check out the newly opened splash pad, and remember that the holiday is about more than tasty food and beating the heat.
“My father, grandfather, three sons, three brothers and two nieces are all veterans and today is a celebration of the freedom that they have given us,” Jenny Clark of Masardis said. “The family is scattered all over the country, but we try to get together when we can on the holiday.”
Although Sonny and Linda Pelletier of Mapleton do not have veterans in their own family, they were proud to celebrate the Fourth of July with their good friend and Korean War veteran Milton Clark of Ashland.
“It’s a time to celebrate the people who sacrificed so that we could sit here and enjoy this day,” Sonny Pelletier said.
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- Bud and Carol Wilson (left) listen to local band The Good Ole Boys and Girls and enjoy a barbecue meal during the Presque Isle Elks’ Fourth of July celebration on Wednesday. (Staff Photo/Melissa Lizotte)
