Independence celebration is Saturday
Veterans take spotlight in Rusk with parade, appreciation party

The k annual Independence Day parade and a salute to veterans will be held in downtown Rusk starting at noon Saturday. A parade favorites among kids is Sparky, the fire dog.

Veterans will take the spotlight this weekend during Rusk's annual Independence Day Celebration.

Activities begin with a veteran appreciation party on Friday, followed by a parade on Saturday and special activities and events planned throughout the day by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Heritage Museum.

Veterans appreciation party

The appreciation party will be held 7-10 p.m. Friday at the Toyland Combat Vehicles Museum on CR 2407.

Veterans of all wars will be recognized, from World War II, Cold War, Korean and Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq. Uniforms are suggested but not required. Some will wear 40s attire.

The public is asked to bring food, water, soft drinks, chairs, tables, balloons and other party items.

Organizers will provide big band music, food, soft drinks and combat re-enactors amidst a multitude of 20th century combat vehicles.

"This is an opportunity for those attending to dance and swap war stories," said Roy Reynolds, who will emcee the event.

There is no charge for the event, and the public is invited.

The museum is located south on U.S. Highway 69 to FM 241. After turning on right on FM 241, go one mile and turn left on CR 2407. The museum is one mile on the right.

June 30 parade

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce's Fourth of July downtown parade and celebration is planned early this year and will be held on Saturday. Planners say, "Patriotism will be observed as in the days of the 'Good Ole Summertime' of decades past."

The event begins with patriotic music at 10 a.m. The Rusk Rotary Club will distribute small American flags to those attending.

The Rev. Jim Goforth will give the invocation at the opening ceremony. Mayor Angela Raiborn will preside at the gathering. Ian Chandler will sing the National Anthem.

Performances,

entertainment planned

Various live gospel and patriotic performances will include Jan Pate with "God Bless the USA;" the First Baptist Church gospel quartet featuring Tim Timmons; Virginia Goforth singing an armed services and hymn medley.

At 11:55 a.m. Sons of Confederate Veterans will perform. They will conclude their demonstration with a gunshot salute and then "76 Trombones" will play.

The parade begins at noon. The event is co-sponsored by Greg James Country Motors, and veterans will serve as parade marshals.

Everyone who has ever worn a uniform is invited to wear it. "This means those who have served in the armed forces, those who have worn a uniform in service to the police, fire, boy scout, girl scout, baseball and others are invited to wear their uniforms," said Roy Reynolds of the Rusk Chamber of Commerce.

Veterans will ride in the parade in military vehicles from Toyland Military Museum. Others will walk or ride decorated wheelchairs.

All floats will be red, white and blue in theme. Prizes will be awarded.

The Lions Club will lead the entire square in singing with the Kate Smith version of "God Bless America."

Classic car show set

Following the parade, there will be a classic car show and contest at 1 p.m. on the square. The "Battle of the Bands" will also be held at 1 p.m. at the Cherokee Civic Theatre.

Merchants will have sidewalk sales; there will be food vendors; and Helms Farms will be on the square selling fresh produce.

The summertime music will continue around the square. Families are invited to bring their picnic baskets and lawn chairs.

For information and to register a float call (903) 683-4242.

Museum will be open

The Heritage Center of Cherokee County will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. There will be several military displays, dioramas created by Rusk High School students, military uniforms including a 1920 West Point cadet uniform worn by the late Pope Guinn. The museum's new 911 address is 208 S. Henderson.

VFW open house

Open house will be held at the VFW Hall. The event is hosted by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. All veterans and their families are invited.

Hot dogs, home-made root beer and watermelon will be served. The hall will be open from noon until 4 p.m.

The VFW Hall is located on U.S. Highway 69 South and Fourth Street.