Sunday, July 7, 2013

Allendale 4th of July Marks 50th Anniversary

The Allendale 4th of July Breakfast marked its 50th anniversary last Thursday; it started up in 1963 and has been going strong ever since, drawing hundreds of people every year. J.W. Harding has emceed the event every year since it started; he said that this year would be his last; he said that it was time for someone else to take over. Lowell Houts, pastor of the Denver Baptist Church, opened the gathering in prayer this year while Delbert Jackson and Marshall Ruckman raised the flag. Marvin Harper of the district American Legion read a poem about the passing of a veteran and noted that now, 1500 to 1600 World War II veterans are dying every day. There are no more World War I veterans left.

This year's edition had some guests in the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of American Legion members who ride motorcycles for a good cause. Every year, 5,000 Legion Riders around the country form convoys to go to the national convention; this year, it will be in Houston. Along the way, they raise money to help the children of parents who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year, they raised over $600,000 for the Legacy Fund; that figure is growing annually. Harper noted that the people who protected us over the years signed a blank check to the government to pay whatever price it takes, including the ultimate sacrifice.

The Hardy Family Circle Singers, now three generations strong, performed patriotic songs for the event while the Worth County Community Band performed the fight songs of all the various branches of the military. Around 40 veterans were brought up on stage and recognized for their service to the country.

McKenna Hill, at five weeks, was the youngest baby at five weeks. David Wideman was the youngest boy. Avis Parman was 90 years old and named the oldest woman; however, she is still able to walk without any aid and is still getting around. She went to the New Hampton breakfast before coming to Allendale; New Hampton's people originally came up to Allendale to celebrate with them before starting on their own. Their celebration has run almost as long as Allendale's. Parman's dad was the postmaster for over 30 years at Denver while she, J.W., and Bill Hill went to Dry School. "You were never anywhere unless you were at Dry School," said Harding, who during his last time manning the stage at Allendale, did some reminiscing. Garland Roach, 93, was named the oldest man. Garland has made it to all but one breakfast throughout its 50 years; while Harding will no longer be the man on the stage at Allendale, he said he would continue to come and support the event. Dean Olney of California was the farthest away.

No comments: