Independence Day, Anaheim, 1903

Today's photo shows a parade going through downtown Anaheim, along Center St. (now Lincoln Ave.), on July 4, 1903. It looks like most of the town marched or rode in the parade.

The L.A. Times reported Anaheim's 1903 "programme for the Fourth of July... as follows: Seven a.m., firing of guns; 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. band concerts; 10 a.m., start of grand parade from Del Campo corner, floats, automobiles, horsemen, bands, military companies, Columbia Marching Club, carriages, etc.; 11 a.m., reading Declaration of Independence, music, songs and children's programme; 11:15 a.m., oration of the day by Senator Caldwell; 12 [noon], military companies go into camp; 12:30 p.m., barbecue for military companies and distinguished guests of the day; 2 to 6 p.m., athletic sports; 3 p.m., ball game; 4 p.m., grand parade of horribles; 7 to 8 p.m., band concerts; 8 p.m., fireworks and grand electrical illumination; 9:30 p.m. grand ball at Operahouse. H. A. Dickel will be grand marshal. Anaheim, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Buena Park and Orange will be represented in the parade by floats and organizations."

The community had to raise over $600 to make it all happen, but a good time was had by the thousands who attended. It seems just about everyone in town was filled with patriotic fervor.

Well over a century later, America is a very different place. Even as we celebrate freedom, more and more of our freedoms are being taken away. Public apathy and ignorance allow an elected "grand parade of horribles" on both sides of the aisle to undercut individual liberty and give themselves more power. Putting out flags and bunting and throwing a big party is a great thing to do on the Fourth of July. But then we have to follow through on Election Day and every other day of the year.