Watch CBS News

Hundreds Turn Out For Fourth Of July Parade In Towson

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The streets of Towson were painted red, white, and blue Tuesday afternoon, with hundreds turning out for the annual Fourth of July parade.

It was a sunny and very hot afternoon, but that did not keep the huge crowd from coming out to wish America a happy birthday.

They came from all over the state to show their love of country.

"We're entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we should never forget that," said Bob Lingenfelder.

"I like it because it has a lot of flags," said 6-year-old Sage McNeal.

For more than 70 years, the Towson Fourth of July parade has been drawing the crowds on Independence Day. Music, pomp, and circumstance, all in the name of patriotism.

"Fourth of July is the birth of the country, so we wanted to come out and support our local residents and have fun together," said Arielle McNeal.

Some parade goers told WJZ's Amy Yensi it's a family tradition they're passing down from one generation to the next.

"For my kids to realize how important it is and realize what they have, the freedoms they have," said Megan Kenney.

A time to honor sacrifice and reflect on the future.

"I think if they took a moment and paused we'd be more civil towards each other," said Sandra Edmonds. "We would realize how blessed we are."

A shared bond worth celebrating, from sea to shining sea.

"We all come from diverse backgrounds, different fractions of the world, but we all bleed red, white, and blue," said Lingenfelder.

It's too soon know how many people showed up for this year's parade, but some of the regulars Amy Yensi spoke with said this year's crowd was one of the largest they've seen.

Following the conclusion of the parade, traffic has been reopened on Bosley and Allegheny Aves.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.