Brownsville honors nation at Fourth of July parade

BROWNSVILLE - Anna Karen De La Rosa enjoyed watching the colorful floats as the parade passed her.

"This celebration, it reminds us of America and the history behind it," said the smiling eight-year-old Saturday. She was watching the 9th annual Salute to Freedom Parade while sitting in a lawn chair with her father at Elizabeth and Fifth Sts.

"We are friends with Mexico and other countries," she said, "and events like this remind us to continue to be friends with everyone."

More than 44 entries were in the parade, a celebration of American Independence and a way to honor the sacrifices undertaken by US troops worldwide, said parade organizer Maribel Sosa.

"It continues to grow every year," Sosa said. "It went very smooth this year. We had horses, marching bands, floats, car clubs, and motorcycles."

Hundreds of Brownsville residents cheered as custom automobiles and motorcycles roared down the street flashing chromed ornaments and rims while displaying American flags. Cowboys and cowgirls in red, white, and blue bandanas displayed their steeds, and politicians waved at the crowds from colorful floats.

One of the parade headliners was the Texas National Guard 36Th Infantry Division Marching Band from Camp Mabry, Texas, and the crowds applauded as the military band performed fast paced patriotic tunes.

De La Rosa's father, Fernando, is a US Navy veteran. He spoke proudly with his daughter as local veterans marched passed them.

"This is a great opportunity to let my daughter see the celebration behind our nation's independence and to remind her of our founding fathers and also about the sacrifices that our troops have made," De La Rosa said.