CNN iReport

4^th of July in Moose Lake, Minnesota starts off with Queen coronation. The night before the 4^th of July we host a BBQ honoring my son serving our Country. Then early morning on July 4^th there is a parade one mile long going along Moose Head Lake lakeshore and through downtown Moose Lake. Thousands attend and watch our parade. Jets do a fly over at the beginning of the parade. I have been in the 4^th of July parade every year since I can ever remember. I am now 39 years old. I have marched in the band, for the girl scouts, for a softball team, for Ebel Rental, the Arrowhead Leader and now for the Gold/Blue Star Mothers of America, MN Chapter #3. I am a Blue Star Mother and President of our Chapter. We are mothers who have or have had children serving our Country. We support our Troops! My son left Moose Lake after graduation four years ago and is now back home (2 weeks ago) having served in the United States Air Force those four years. I march in the parade in honor of my son Jason, our area Soldiers and in memory of four local soldiers who have died in Iraq and do this with all mothers and families of our local Soldiers. We carry our "Heroes on a Stick" (large photo cutouts of our children). See photo.

After the 4^th we celebrate at our close friends home on the lake. We tube, fish, play yard games, eat great food and enjoy the Moose Lake Fireworks at Dusk. The kids also make a trip to the City Park where there is a carnival in town through out the day and night.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!! AND GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS!!!