Independence Day Is Declared Across the County

With celebrations on land and sea, helicopters and fireworks in the air, Orange County observed Independence Day with old-fashioned parades, barbecues and a star-spangled flotilla in Newport Beach’s Lido Channel.

Under sunshine and blue skies, people remembered old warriors, and young children learned lessons about their country’s history.

Christine Blodgett, 57, and granddaughter Brittany, 11, had front-row seats for the 96th Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade, courtesy of the girl’s parents, who moved into the neighborhood along Main Street last year.

They and thousands of others cheered loudly whenever veterans groups such as the Pearl Harbor Survivors Assn. passed by. They even dressed for the occasion: Brittany wore a red, white and blue bandanna. Blodgett far outdid her granddaughter, wearing a top hat, “firecracker” earrings, fake eyelashes in red, white and blue, and decorated fingernails.

“You’ve got to go with the theme,” Blodgett said.

The Marine Corps, Navy and Army were represented by veterans, some marching and some riding in jeeps, trucks and floats.

“These veterans represent everything we’re about as a great country,” said Terry Tysseland, 59, shortly after a flyover by helicopters.

The special kudos given to veterans groups were not lost on Earl Roach, 73, a Navy veteran of Iwo Jima who along with wife Mary, 71, was helping Huntington Beach police patrol the parade as part of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program.

“I get a good boost out of the applause our veterans get. It’s nice to see the American public be patriotic,” Roach said. The World War II veteran said the holiday brings memories of friends he made overseas, as well as some of the most gut-wrenching scenes.

“The worst feeling was when you’d drop the boys off at a beach and leave them there,” said Roach, a former Sears, Roebuck employee.

Not Only a Day for Celebration

Many veterans spent the holiday working to help their compatriots. Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Orange County chapter were out with homeless and disabled veterans at hospitals and charity events, said Bill Mimiaga, vice president of the organization.

“There’s so many issues that we have to resolve that the Fourth of July is an especially busy day for us,” Mimiaga said.

The day also was one for remembrances of others who fell while serving the public. A fund-raiser was held at Laguna Hills High School for the family of Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Parsons, mortally injured two weeks ago in a traffic collision.

“I would hope that today would be a day to stop and think about our officers and deputies, who also have given their lives for their country,” sheriff’s Lt. Rich Paddock said. “They indeed are also civil servants.”

Around Newport Beach’s Lido Isle, some early arrivals for the Old Glory Boat Parade rode around in decorated cars, bicycles and scooters. Residents and visitors then picnicked as they awaited the event. Children waded in shallow waters as parents staked out good seats.

Michael Bloss, a restaurant manager in South El Monte, brought son Conrad, 9, and daughter Sarah, 8, to visit relatives and see the dozens of festively decorated vessels.

“These boats are so classy, so full of spirit,” Bloss said.

On a nearby patio deck, Bernice Ashmore watched granddaughter Leor Feldman, 5, dance with abandon to pop hits blaring from a nearby speaker. Although the main objective was to have a good time, Ashmore said, she makes it a point every Independence Day to teach her grandchildren about the true meaning of the holiday.

“This year’s Fourth of July started with the World Book Encyclopedia,” Ashmore said. Her husband, John Ashmore, served in the Pacific during World War II, and she does not want her family to forget sacrifices made. “It’s too easy to forget things,” she said.

At the Newport Dunes Resort, thousands lined the beach or sailed in the lagoon as they waited for the evening’s fireworks display.

For Lusinda Aguilar, 45, an immigrant from the Mexican state of Michoacan who came with several family members, Fourth of July followed a historic weekend when her country voted a new political party into power for the first time in 71 years.

“This is a good week. Hopefully, things will change back in my country in a good way,” Aguilar said. While her family served up carne asada, Aguilar said she hoped to observe the holiday for what it represents.

“We should all celebrate the Fourth of July as a day of freedom, especially our grandchildren because this is their country.”