Communities across our area marked the Independence Day holiday with parades.
In Wauwatosa, a procession of more than 75 units marched from 80th and North Ave. west to 104th St.
Peter Keepman, who was marching with Boy Scout Troop 21, said he enjoyed reflecting on the meaning of the holiday.
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"It's about a lot more than fireworks and celebration," Keepman said. "It's about our independent spirit and how we managed to forge ourselves a nation out of grit and hard work."
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Gov. Scott Walker both attended.
"We talk all the time about red states and blue states," Walker said. "But today's a good day to remember that we're a red, white and blue country."
In Sherman Park, a group of people gathered at St. Catherine Catholic Church near 52nd St. and Center St. and walked through the surrounding neighborhoods waving American flags.
Wendy Hamilton, one of the marchers, said the parade is a local tradition more than 100 years old.
"It's so emotional, just to see the diversity and everybody unified as one on this beautiful day," Hamilton said.
In Waukesha, the annual Fourth of July parade began at 11 a.m. at Cutler Park.
Among the units participating in Waukesha's celebration was the TODAY'S TMJ4 Storm Chaser vehicle, along with Chief Meteorologist John Malan.
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