On the 4th of July, Julie and I were at Cherry Grove Beach with her father.

We participated in an annual golf cart parade Kevin and Elizabeth Gause of Lexington help organize.

There were a record 169 golf carts all decorated in red, white, and blue.

I drove my father-in-law’s cart with him next to me while Julie tossed candy to children from the back.

I had military band music playing from my Bluetooth speaker.

We put a sign on our cart: WWII US Army Veteran Emil Emanuel 94 Years Young!

Hundreds of people lined the parade route through the northernmost neighborhood of SC’s coast.

I was not prepared for what happened.

When people read the sign, Mr. Emanuel suddenly became what I can only describe as a target for pent-up patriotism.

They cheered, waved, clapped, stood up, and some saluted.

Men and women of all ages wanted to shake his hand and hug him.

He heard the words, “Thank you for your service” over and over.

Needless to say, this overwhelmed Julie’s dad.

I saw him wiping tears from his eyes.

After receiving such attention my father-in-law said, “I couldn’t help thinking of all those who didn’t come back from the war.”

The vast majority of Americans love this country and are sick and tired of hearing negative rhetoric demeaning our nation and our history.

I will not forget being among my fellow American citizens that day.

Even though strangers, we were united in love of this great land and the freedoms we enjoy.

I am thankful that children were witnesses to this display of patriotism.

They desire to be hopeful about their futures.

The next night 6-7 teenage boys, Black and White, were walking past our place overlooking the marsh.

I greeted them, asked if they had a good 4th, and told them about our parade experience.

Those polite young boys asked me to tell my father-in-law, “Thank you for your service.”

Don’t think that there is not a lot of faith, hope, and love left in America.

But know that these blessings of liberty come from our Father above.