Honor hometown heroes

It felt like a normal year in planning for the Fourth of July celebrations. Communities were not worried about dry conditions due to all the rain, so reworks were a go for several areas. Parades and community gatherings all moved forward nicely.

I have to admit, growing up and in early adulthood, the Fourth of July has been one of my favorite holidays. We had huge family gatherings, heading to the smalltown parade, and going to the park for the annual re ghters’ water ght. And, just before the reworks, we had our annual football game. I will admit, I tore the meniscus disc in my knee one year blocking my dad so my nephew could score. Yes, my team got the touchdown.

I am also a bit sentimental about the American holiday. My kids give me a hard time each year as I make them listen to songs such as “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning.” I believe they too should have respect and pride in their country. I understand this country is far from perfect. e last few years of seeming insanity proves that point. However, we live in a country where that insanity is allowed to happen. Finally, another reason I get sentimental about the Independence Day holiday is a tradition that started in Tucson. My company would often recognize what we called “Hometown Heroes” just before Independence Day.

I loved those special sections because we called to the community to not just tell us about the members of the military we would be thanking, but also those in the community who volunteer, work hard and do so many things to make a di erence in the lives of others. To those who work tirelessly to make the communities in which they live and the world better.

I haven’t quite got to the point of a special section, but over the last year as editor, I have been able to get out into our communities and meet great people, and through my reporters read about amazing organizations and groups who are indeed community heroes who often do the work without expecting recognition or a return. elma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

Some of my favorite organizations are the local American Legions and VFWs — these groups are more than just veteran organizations. ey are people who work to give scholarships, provide support to struggling veterans and, in Littleton recently, repurpose veteran wreaths to become sh habitats.

Local historical societies — these members work to preserve and celebrate important moments in a community’s history. ey also protect and preserve important structures.

To the local food banks that have struggled over the last few years to keep the doors open and residents fed — every administrator and volunteer deserves a pat on the back.

To companies like Howdy’s Ice Cream, which opened in Centennial o Parker Road this year, giving adults with disabilities an opportunity to work. I will also recommend going and getting a summer treat there — the lemon crunch is superb. e people and organizations who work each year to help people move into and a ord homes. In Colorado, that alone is a tireless and likely thankless job these days.

In Highlands Ranch – It’s heartwarming to see the continued photos and responses as the community comes together to clear debris and help neighbors after a tornado touched down recently.

I should also give a shoutout to volunteers I see at the VA when I take my dad for care. ey are helpful, friendly and wonderful people. People, groups, churches and organizations do more in our local communities than we realize year after year. I hope to keep getting to know all of them and start recognizing them more often in our local newspapers because at the end of the day, honoring these heroes is part of what Independence Day is about.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA

Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com