238 years ago our “fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” Fighting for that liberty were many of our Residents, staff and volunteers who served in the armed forces. We are thankful for their service and for all those who have defended our freedom.
Our celebration of the birth of this great nation began Friday, July 4th with a Prayer Service led by our chaplain, Fr. George Auger. Wearing red, white and blue, we prayed and sang in thanksgiving for our “land of the free and home of the brave”.
It was an unusually pleasant July day, perfect for the barbeque and picnic on our patio. Red, white and blue table decorations were a very festive accompaniment to the delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and watermelon.
Saturday, we once again donned patriotic red, white and blue hats and marched (or rode in our very patriotic decorated bus) in the Palatine Hometown Festival Fourth of July Parade. With the Emerald Society of Chicago Police Bagpipes and Drums leading the way, we paraded through the streets of Palatine waving flags, handing out candy and greeting the enthusiastic crowd. All along the parade route, the streets were lined with people who cheered and waved as our bus drove by.
Overflowing with pride and hope for our great country, on the bus ride home we found ourselves breaking out in song:
God bless America, land that I love, stand beside her and guide her, through the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam, God bless America, My home sweet home.
God Bless America