Tag: Independence Day

THE MARSHFIELD PARADE

July 3, 2025

Around thirty miles from Springfield, Missouri, east on Interstate 44 is Marshfield. President George H.W. Bush visited there in 1991, and he was the second sitting President to do so. Harry S. Truman came in 1948 to be in the annual Independence Day Parade. This is the longest-running parade west of the Mississippi. For the Christian, it is a family-friendly event.

The square around the Webster County courthouse is filled with rides, food vendors, music, and during election years speeches. This will not be one of those years.  This is no sophisticated big-city event. This is a county fair celebration.

The parade features antique tractors, horses, classic cars, bands, and patriotic floats by churches and civic organizations. Those who like the glitz and glamour of the Macy’s parades may want to skip Marshfield. No show-stopping here. Unless the livestock gets loose. If you are anti-American or atheist, do not attend if you are offended easily. Almost every area of America has a small town that goes all out for the Fourth of July. Marshfield is one of the Ozarks.

At one time it was unusual to visit Marshfield for the parade without running into a cousin or someone else from childhood. Most of the family have left Webster County, but a few family members and friends are still around. The crowds are larger and as with any gathering, more people mean crowding and rude behavior. Because of this and the fact that Springfield now has a Mid-Town parade, Marshfield no longer has the draw for my family that it once did.

These days you will find us at the Midtown Springfield Independence Day Parade. You do not have to ask about the date. The parade steps off from Central and Benton at 10:00 a.m. Bring your own folding chairs, a blanket, and anything you need while you wait until it starts. The route is down Benton Ave. to Washington Park.

At the park, there will be an ice cream social with games and fun activities for the whole family. Food trucks and other vendors will be available. Remember that fireworks are illegal inside the city limits of Springfield year-round. There is no permission for them even around the fourth of July.

Enjoy your Independence Day celebration wherever you are.  The Fourth of July is about the anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence. Without that brave act by dedicated men, the United States of America would not exist. Have fun and support our Constitution and the government that President Lincoln said is by us, for us, and through us.

©Copyright 2025 by Charles Kensinger

What does independence mean?

July 3, 2022

The fourth of July is coming around once more. July 4, 1776, is the day that The Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress. The name of the holiday is Independence Day. This group of men knew that attaching their names to this letter could mean the loss of everything including their lives.

Let’s look at the highlights of this document. It begins with why the thirteen colonies needed to separate themselves from Britain. The first reason is the fact that we all should have life, liberty, and the right to pursue our own happiness. The government can be replaced when it fails to do its job.

There is a long list of violations of these rights. They end the statement of abuse by pledging lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the fight for these rights. After the war ended in favor of the colonies they attempted to survive alone and realized that they needed to remain working as one unit.

They were attempting to do something that had never been done before. Each of these thirteen governments knew that they could be picked off one at a time by the Brits or some other country.

The Second Continental Congress is formed, and a new organization is devised to join these separate governments under one umbrella. Something they all wanted to do was maintain the ability to make certain laws for themselves. These were referred to as State’s Rights.

The name the United States of America was intended to show this arrangement. When you read our Constitution, you will see that many compromises were made to satisfy the individual purposes of states or other groups. The three branches of the Federal Government were created to solve perceived problems with other national forms of governing.

The President, who is the chief executive, has the final say before a law can become effective. Congress and the Senate can overturn a veto. The number of votes to do this is more than those needed to pass the bill the first time.

The legislature, congress, and senate are responsible for passing the bills that become laws. The president can recommend laws as can individual members. Committees look at these and make changes or prevent these bills from being voted on. Congress represents a member from groups that are similar in population. Each state has only two Senators. This was a compromise. What happens when these two branches attempt to violate the Constitution?

That is the job of the Supreme Court. They are the watchdog of our three-tier system. Nine judges are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. These men and women have no authority to do anything except determine the constitutionality of what the State governments, Congress, and the President does. If they step out of line the President and congress can replace those who have violated their responsibility to interpret the constitution. This only happens when they die or resign.

Your barbecue, party, or vacation is simply a celebration of the start of this country. I hope you already knew all of this. If not, now you know. Happy Independence Day.

©Copyright 2022 by Charles Kensinger