GREENSBORO, N. C. — Hundreds of people in a Greensboro community continued a nearly 70-year long tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July in their own neighborhood. « It’s not real formal. It’s not highly organized, but it’s a great tradition, » said Willy Hammer.
GREENSBORO, N. C. — Hundreds of people in a Greensboro community continued a nearly 70-year long tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July in their own neighborhood.
« It’s not real formal. It’s not highly organized, but it’s a great tradition, » said Willy Hammer.
The Kirkwood Fourth of July Parade has come a long way since Hammer was a kid.
« I grew up coming to the Kirkwood Parade, for years and years, » he said.
It started as four WWII veterans marching down Independence St., flags in hand.
« It’s kind of naturally a patriotic neighborhood, » Hammer said.
It’s now a neighborhood-wide tradition.
« Politicians, kids on bikes, neighbors with fancy cars, » English Black said.
The celebration includes long-time parade goers, neighborhood newcomers, and kids carrying on the tradition.
« There really aren’t a whole lot of neighborhoods that have such great sense of community like Kirkwood does, » Black said.
Kirkwood welcomes everyone with open arms who’s willing to celebrate the spirit of the Fourth.
« To show respect to the people who have made all this possible or have sacrificed, » Hammer said.
« To me it means family, sense of community, yeah, just good old-fashioned fun, » English said.
