North Morristown Celebration Another Success

The 124th annual North Morristown July 4th celebration was another success, thanks in large part to perfect weather.

When I arrived about 8:50AM to set up for the patriotic program broadcast, there was already a long line for the homemade pies. That line was steady for well over an hour and then the Morristown American Legion raised the American flag, officially kicking off the day.

Actually the day started with the first Firecracker 5K Walk or Run. There were 102 participants. Angela Patricka was the women's winner and Zan Grabau was the men's winner. They won free massages from Dr. Elrich Chiropractic in Faribault.

There were 60 units in this year's North Morristown Parade and everyone along the parade route seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The patriotic program featured Army Chaplain John Meyer with the keynote address. Meyer explained his duties as a chaplain while serving in the Middle East. He was very appreciative of all the care packages received by the troops. Meyer said not only was he in charge of taking care of the American soldiers' spiritual needs, but also those of any enemy he might encounter.

Some Korean War veterans were recognized, and a number of people said it was their first time in North Morristown - a gentleman from Florida; a woman from Tacoma, Wash.; a couple from Lakeville.

One of the members of the group Monroe Crossing told the crowd they recently returned from a trip to South Korea where they toured a museum dedicated to what America did for them. He said the reverence they hold for American soldiers and gratitude was something to behold as a American civilian.

After the patriotic program broadcast on KDHL, provided by Saemerow Dairy, Al and Charla Spitzack, Ed and Bev Schmidtke and Ken and Jackie Boese, I was able to indulge in some of the terrific food.

When I got to the pie stand they had just run out of blueberry pie, but that's okay because I enjoy variety anyway. Last year I had strawberry rhubarb that was delicious; this year I had some super apple pie with some ice cream. The crust was light and fluffy, filling contained delicious apples with some cinnamon and the portion was just the right size.

Before heading home to pressure wash my garage, deck and back of the house, I had a glass of lemonade and a cheeseburger.

Next year North Morristown celebrates its 125th year and they are brainstorming something special for the milestone event.

All in all it was great 240th birthday party for America in North Morristown.

As I said during the parade while announcing, American presidential candidates should make the trip to to the celebration and see what real America is all about.