BALTIMORE (WJZ)—It’s one of Baltimore’s biggest and best tributes to the USA and the men and women who fight for freedom. Hundreds line the streets to get a good look.

Ron Matz has more on the 78th Annual Dundalk Fourth of July Parade.

The Baltimore Marching Ravens and those big fire trucks delighted the huge crowd. There’s nothing like the Fourth of July in Dundalk.

“This is a great big tradition in Dundalk to come out and be among the community members and just celebrate the independence of our country. We always come out,” said Lisa Hill, of North Point Village.

Nick Mosko is red, white and blue all over.

Die-hards get here three hours before the festivities begin.

“I’ve been coming here 25 years. I got here at five o’clock in the morning. I’m a music director at a church so normally on all the other holidays I have to work, but today I can enjoy the whole day,” said Bonnie Kabara, of Dundalk.

This year’s theme is “Welcome Home Troops.” Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown is an Iraq war veteran.

“I served 10 months in Iraq. I’m proud to be down here in Dundalk with patriotic Americans,” Brown said. “The holiday means freedom. It’s democracy. It’s men and women in uniform making sacrifices so all of us can live in a land of opportunity where hard work and reward go hand in hand.”

Bill and Debby Cain’s first date was right here on July 4, 1987.

“Twenty five years ago, July 4, 1987, my wife and I had our very first date coming to the parade here in Dundalk,” said Billy Cain.“We got married April 8, 1989, so a little less than two years later.”

“We just celebrated 23 years of marriage, so it’s a thrill to be here today,” Debby Cain said.

There were tributes to Maryland’s fallen heroes, and familiar faces from the world of politics.

“We’ve been coming a long time. The camaraderie of the community in Dundalk is like no other. Just coming out and enjoying the day and the community is something that we’re proud to do,” Hill said.

It’s a star-spangled day to celebrate as only Dundalk can.

The parade is organized by the Dundalk Heritage Parade committee and the Optimist Club of Dundalk. The holiday will be capped off Wednesday night by a big fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. on the grounds of Grange Elementary School at Wise Avenue and Merritt Boulevard.