Red, White, and Blue was quite literally everywhere during Belton’s 86th Annual Independence Day Celebration ... from those participants and fans dressed to the nines in the patriotic colors to vendors selling flags, caps, and shirts of all sizes and shapes.Hundreds gathered, despite the on-again, off-again drizzle of an overcast early Saturday morning July 3, 2010, staking their claims to what would be their spots for Belton's 86th Annual Independence Day celebration up and down Central Avenue and Main Street ... for as far as the eye could see. At about 9:00 a.m. that morning, umbrellas were raised over the heads of those gathered for the patriotic program, kicked off by Trae Sutton, at the Pavillion stationed in front of the Bell County Courthouse.

Mayor Jim Covington delivered an Independence Day proclamation, provided by Governor Rick Perry, and also introduced Colonel Larry Phelps of the 15th Sustainment Brigade of Fort Hood as the keynote speaker of the Patriotic Program. Colonel Phelps is a much decorated officer who has seen duty both abroad and here in the Central Texas area.

"Larry, is a good friend," said Covington, "who is commander of the 15th, which is Belton's adopted unit. We have done much together – the city and the brigade – and we are proud of our association."

Phelps' dialogue highlighted not only the roots of patriotism in the United States and in Texas, Central Texas, specifically, but also underscored his experiences with the City and citizens of Belton.

"Belton is known throughout Texas and across the country for this celebration," said Phelps. "And I am honored to share in it with you. We [the brigade] have grown to know and love Belton, and both before and after we were deployed, you were there."

Groups of all sorts were out showing their patriotic spirit at the celebration. Above, a group of Cub Scouts pretends to fish and camp from their float as they greet parade goers and wish a “Happy Fourth!”"The people of Belton are proud to stand unashamed when the National Anthem plays," said Phelps. "They are not embarrassed to say how blessed they are to be Texans; they are not embarrassed to say they are proud Americans. In Belton there are the most patriotic group of Americans it has ever been my honor to live among. I am proud to stand beside you and call myself a Central Texan."

Phelps presented the mayor, and therefore the City of Belton, with a special flag during the ceremony. The flag, which Phelps described as the first City of Belton flag, had been previously presented to the 15th Sustainment Brigade at their initial deployment, and had, until now, flown at their posts in Iraq. Somewhat tattered and decidedly careworn, the flag was received graciously by Mayor Covington.

Most recently, the 15th Sustainment was key in partnering with the City of Belton in a joint effort to clean up an area of Nolan Creek.

After the Patriotic Program, the much anticipated parade began its long meander down Main Street and Central, much to the satisfaction of the thousands who had gathered under pavilions they had set up for the occasion (or else armed with umbrellas – just in case).

The display itself began by being led by the Belton Police Department, immediately followed by horsemen carrying the U.S. And Texas state flags. It was, of course, not long after that the old, familiar wagon train, this year being engineered by Dr. Bill Long, made its way down the streets, precariously and impressively.

The parade, whose theme on this occasion was "A Family Together: A Long Family Tradition," was grand-marshaled by Mary Long, wife of Dr. William Long, both citizens much known and loved throughout Belton. The theme of this year's parade, an obvious play on words, was also symbolic of an a very real tradition of over 33 years that was being this year upheld by Dr. Bill Long, who manned the lawn tractor that led an enormous Radio Flyer wagon train toting family and friends as one of the key, and most anticipated, parts of the parade.

Dr. William Long, also a member of the Belton Lions Club, passed away in February of this year.

Soldiers with the 15th Sustainment Brigagade present colors on Central Avenue on the morning of July 3, 2010 at Belton’s Patriotic Program.There were also "parade walkers" out spreading good cheer, well wishes, and community service throughout the day. Tom Riddle and Diane Shephard were among the many representing outreach groups who were out and about before, during, and after the parade, greeting citizens and providing attendees with well wishes for the Fourth.

"We're here to do some random acts of kindness for the community," said Riddle. "We can't get everybody, but we can make a few people happier."

Additionally, the parade hosted a vast variety of floats, automobiles, tractors, and groups of riders ... on cantering horses, classic motorcycles, and even go carts. All were decorated in some way with patriotic themes and besmottered with red, white, and blue. Several Uncles Sam made appearances in various capacities, including one accompanied by a Statue of Liberty. This pair was seen, waving to all and wishing a happy fourth, performing figure eights up and down the parade route via two-wheeled Segways.

Though the weather remained somewhat gloomy and threatening, there was only a brief moment of tender sprinkle during the parade itself. What rain was to come did so only in a fairly brief burst later in the afternoon.

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