It was an honor to witness and participate in a spectacle that was truly a fantastic sight to see. From the length and breadth of Wallowa, people converged July 4 for a sight that brings a smile to your face and always lifts you up — the American flag.

Standing at Cougar Field and looking east, the street was packed with flags for our 10 whole blocks. There had to have been 6,000 (accuracy of number was a guess) flags waving in the breeze. But, for one thousand more people (mostly kids) 1,000 American flags were given out to honor and thank the 1,000 veterans who reside in Wallowa County. Every hand that held those colors high had a smile beneath it. I only regret that I ran out of flags before the end. My reward was seeing 1,000 faces light up with a smile when they took hold of and waved Old Glory.

So vets, on Monday we gathered to honor this holiday and wave our flag. Know that for one hour, someone in Wallowa was waving a flag for you. Thanks for your service, remembering that some gave all, all gave some for God and country.

The turnout and the weather were both incredible. The street through downtown was shoulder-to-shoulder and in places three deep. The early birds snagged the best spots in the shade on a truly gorgeous day with the snow-capped peaks smiling down on us.

At 11 a.m. members of the VFW led the parade, carrying the colors with dignity and honor that brought tears to the eye of many — OK, a lot. And that was the start of Wallowa’s Community Fourth of July Parade.

Following the colors was our beloved grand marshal, Vera Henderson, riding comfortably in a beautiful, antique convertible piloted by her son Elwane. I’ve never been good with numbers, but the 800-plus residents of Wallowa watched their town grow by about 6,500 people. So, if all of Wallowa County wasn’t here, it sure looked like it. You missed an extraordinary day if you weren’t able to attend. And believe me, you’ll never see Peggy Gentil coming out a birthday cake except in Wallowa.

So floats, bikes, horses, cars, groups, individuals and entries of all shapes and sizes were on hand to celebrate. Even one very cute pink pig and some good looking hogs, too. To give credit to a few would not give credit to all the imagination and hard work to everyone who participated — well done! And the parade went on for an hour, at least. With bells, whistles and sirens going full blast, the end was coming closer with the Fire Department getting ready to do some serious cooking. And the band played to a welcoming crowd. A good time was had by all.

Well, the food has been consumed, the fire hall cleaned and the engines put back in their bays. The crowd has walked our street, and most were heading to Shake the Lake after a short walk or siesta.

I walk up to First Street and look east and then back west. The sidewalks are now empty, the traffic is light and we’re back to “normal”. I stand on the corner and smile with arms outstretched to a future that holds promise, security and freedom.

Wallowa aimed high and hit the mark. For me, this day was better than anything Disneyland had to offer because it’s our town, with a street of a thousand flags. I’m proud of it and always will be.

SMSGT Scott Taylor, USAF (ret), resides in Wallowa.