YORKTOWN, Va. — Hundreds of people gathered at Yorktown to celebrate the Fourth of July and the country’s 250th birthday. From modern to historic, there was plenty of patriotism on display in Yorktown Saturday morning.
“We’re just really excited to celebrate the freedom and the patriotism," said visitor Rylee Goodman. “I think it’s a time for unity. With, maybe, so much that’s going on in the world, it gives an opportunity to just come together and celebrate each other and how much we’ve endured and survived.”
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For members of The Fifes and Drums of York Town group, the parade was also an opportunity to help promote history and the importance of it.
“It was the main form of communication on the battlefield. The fifers and drummers would learn tunes and beats to correspond with commands," one member said.
“You become a part of the history, then, so it’s a unique experience," said member Christine Hood.
Even more unique, perhaps, performing in Yorktown where the Revolutionary War effectively ended.
The parade was only the beginning of the day’s festivities. It was followed by a fife and drum show and other events throughout the day.
Taking it all in may have been easier said than done in the extreme heat.
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“We have a cooler and we’re bringing in a ton of water for ourselves. Hopefully, everyone’s doing the same," Good man said.
“We have a lot of safeguards in place to keep the kids and ourselves hydrated as well as avoid heatstroke. We’ve got water, we’ve got sunscreen. Of course, we’ve got bug spray," said Fifes and Drums of York Town member Israel King.
Important steps on an important day.
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