In 1976, on the Fourth of July, I was a 13-year-old kid standing on a rooftop in New Jersey with my family, watching hundreds of tall ships from around the world sail down the Hudson River toward New York Harbor.
The event was called Operation Sail 1976. This massive gathering of ships was the centerpiece of our Bicentennial celebration and included more than 200 sailing ships from 30 countries. It felt like the entire world had come to celebrate America’s 200th birthday.
We didn’t have a home with a view of the celebration, so climbing onto a rooftop was my stepdad’s idea. He immigrated to America as a young man through Ellis Island. He joined the Army, built a life, raised a family, and truly loved this country and the freedom and opportunities it gave him. He was determined that we would see the Tall Ships. At the time, I don’t think I fully understood why. Today, I do.
I remember the excitement of the day and the amazing fireworks display over the Statue of Liberty. This year, LibertyFest’s fireworks return to UCO. For the first time in years, I’ll be able to see them from my own neighborhood — a long way and a long time from that rooftop in New Jersey. But I’ll be thinking about that rooftop, this great country, and how important it is to celebrate its birthday.
Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President
Box 3878, Edmond, OK 73083 l 405-341-5599
the Cover: Left to Right Standing:Dorothy Pinto, Betty Ensz, Maria Jackson, Mary Schooley, Tracy Smith, Bonnie Bowman Left to Right Seated: Teresa Higdon, Martha Spark
Edmond Senior Center A Community Built on Connection
By Taylor Bollinger
The Edmond Senior Center is a place where connection happens. People may arrive for Line Dancing, Afternoon Yoga, Watercolor Painting, or lunch, but they stay for the relationships, personal growth, and opportunities to give back. They stay because it feels like family.
Manager Gregg Switzer has watched participation steadily grow at the center on Marilyn Williams Drive, where hundreds of seniors gather each week. “We get extroverts, introverts, people from all walks of life who come in and find a place where they can really connect with people,” Switzer said.
That sense of belonging is fueling rapid growth. In March alone, the center welcomed 3,092 visitors, averaging roughly 140 to 160 people each day. Switzer said participation has surged in recent months, especially in popular programs like Tai Chi and Mahjong.
to Switzer, the real nourishment often comes from the conversations around the table. “Having a meal together at lunch is huge,” he said. “It’s not just food for the body. Super important connections are formed.”
Those relationships frequently grow into support systems. Switzer shared stories of shy patrons who slowly came out of their shells after becoming regulars at the center. “It’s a community where they connect, share struggles, share grief, and share celebrations,” he said.
It’s a community where people can connect, share struggles, share grief and share celebration.
Despite the packed calendar, accessibility remains central to the center’s mission. There are no required membership fees, and while a voluntary $15 annual donation helps support programs and events, many activities are free. Classes taught by outside instructors often require a small fee paid to the instructor.
The programming itself is intentionally varied. The monthly calendar includes exercise classes, educational seminars, craft groups, social hours, and recreation activities ranging from balloon volleyball to Bunco. Patrons can also enjoy a library, book clubs, pool tables, and card games that often continue long after lunch ends. And lunch matters.
The center partners with Edmond Mobile Meals to serve hot lunches daily for a suggested $5 donation. But according
Mary Ann, a faithful patron of the center, said she believes God sent her there to save her life. “The center is a fantastic place to spend the day. In fact, it’s my second home,” she shared. “I have made so many great friends, and the staff is probably the best staff in the world. That’s just my opinion. I would definitely recommend coming to this place.”
Volunteers play a major role, too. During meal service, guests stay seated while volunteers bring meals directly to the tables — a touch of luxury over lunch. “Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Switzer said.
Community members of all ages can volunteer or participate in select events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations like the Summer Bash and Father’s Day gathering. Switzer encourages anyone curious about the center to stop by, explore the calendar, or schedule a tour.
“You never know what connections you’ll form,” he said.
Explore the Edmond Senior Center calendar of events at edmondok.gov/411/Senior-Center or follow on Facebook at @EdmondSeniorCenter.
Gregg Switzer, Manager
Bricktown Brewery
Comes to West Edmond
By Laura Beam
What started as a single, local microbrewery— the first licensed brewery in Oklahoma—has grown into a regional restaurant brand operating in five states. Since its first location opened in historic Bricktown in 1992, Bricktown Brewery has set new standards, serving superb craft beers and a menu of elevated comfort food to match. Now, the everpopular gathering spot has expanded again with its newest restaurant opening on NW 192nd Street in West Edmond. “West Edmond has seen incredible growth in recent years,” says Heather Noriega, Brand Manager for Bricktown Brewery. “We recognized a strong opportunity to bring the restaurant closer to families in that area and create a place where neighbors could gather over great food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.” Now with seven locations in the OKC Metro, and another soon to open on NW Expressway, everyone can enjoy sensational food, fun, and drinks right in their neighborhood.
Dine Like a Champion
July 2nd. Advocating for other local craft brewers has always been a cornerstone of the Bricktown Brewery mission. “We continue to feature selections from other local and regional craft breweries,” Heather notes. “Supporting fellow brewers and celebrating local beer culture remains one of our core values.”
True to the Bricktown Brewery brand, the new West Edmond restaurant is a fantastic hub for sports fans. Outfitted with modern touches and a full, comfy patio, the space comes alive with numerous TVs throughout the restaurant and bar area. “It’s designed to create an energetic but comfortable sportsviewing experience,” Heather explains. Whether it’s football or basketball season, or catching a weekend game with friends, this fan-friendly spot is the ultimate place to gather.
Known for their kicked-up comfort foods that surprise and delight, Bricktown Brewery serves a winning lineup of favorites like Fish & Chips, Big Mike’s Meatloaf, and hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, plus delicious burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, pizza, and scrumptious, shareable appetizers—all from their scratch kitchen! No ordinary pub food here, this inventive menu also features seasonal attractions like this summer’s Tomatillo Chicken Enchiladas, Elote-Style Chicken Dip, Chili Lime Chicken Salad, and more.
Bites & Brews
Having pioneered the craft beer movement in Oklahoma, beer is the heart of Bricktown Brewery’s identity. They offer five core beers year-round, like the popular Bluesberry Ale and Old King Kölsch. Several seasonal brews make their appearance throughout the year too, like the highly anticipated Bricktown Watermelon Wheat that will be returning to Bricktown taps on
There is always something fun happening at this exciting eatery, like happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm with $3.75 Bricktown Brews. Their party platters are true crowd-pleasers too, offering shareable menu favorites that make hosting a snap for small and large gatherings.
As Heather says, “Everything comes back to our three brand pillars: local beer, great food, and truly friendly service. Those values have guided us for 34 years and continue to define the memorable guest experience that we provide. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, we’re excited to welcome you!”
Visit Bricktown Brewery at 1000 NW 192nd Street in Edmond. Stay connected with their loyalty program/mobile app and social media updates for new menu items, promotions, and specials. Learn more at bricktownbrewery.com.
Account Executive, editor, and writer with experience in radio, newspaper and magazines. Interested in what Outlook can do for your business? Email laura@edmondoutlook.com.
LAURA BEAM
Benjamin Thomas
Quilting
An American Legacy
By Taylor Bollinger
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, members of the Edmond Quilt Guild are honoring the nation's history one stitch at a time. Their upcoming quilt show, "Quilting: An American Legacy," is an exhibition of beautiful handiwork, representing generations of creativity, resilience and connection.
"Historically, our mothers used to take old clothes and make blankets and quilts out of them," said Teresa Higdon, show chair for the Edmond Quilt Guild's 2026 Quilt Show. "During the war, you couldn't just go to town and buy a blanket. It had a lot more meaning to it."
Before big-box stores and online shopping, quilts were practical necessities created from whatever materials
Still, the value is less about cost and more about meaning. "A quilt can hold a lot of memories and feelings," Higdon said. Some members transform cherished clothing into keepsakes. "When my father died, my sister cut all his western shirts up," Higdon said. The guild also extends such quilted comforts to the community. Through the Loving
Left to right: Dorothy Pinto, Maria Jackson, Tracy Smith, Betty Ensz
A Shared Journey on Route 66
Award-winning History of a Highway That Shaped America
By Dave Miller
For most people, Route 66 is a road. For Arcadia residents Jim Ross and Shellee Graham, it has been a lifelong adventure, a calling, and ultimately the foundation of a shared life.
The couple, who live along Route 66 east of Edmond, have spent decades documenting, preserving and telling the stories of America's most famous highway. Along the way, they have become respected historians, photographers, authors and advocates for the Mother Road.
Their latest book, Route 66: The First 100 Years, has earned national acclaim, including a Gold Medal from the Independent Book Publishers Association and an Oklahoma Book Award. Yet for Ross and Graham, the recognition is secondary to the mission.
Their contributions to preserving and promoting Route 66 have also earned them a place of honor in this year's LibertyFest celebration. Ross and Graham have been named Grand Marshals of the 2026 LibertyFest Parade, recognizing their decades of work documenting and championing the Mother Road during Route 66's centennial year.
"We do it because we love the road," Ross said. "Nobody's getting rich writing books. We felt like if we didn't do it, somebody else might, and it might not be as good."
Their story began, fittingly enough, because of Route 66.
"We met at a Route 66 event in Texas in 1996," Ross said. The two continued crossing paths at highway events before eventually building a life together. Today, nearly everything they do traces back to their shared passion for the historic roadway.
Ross's fascination began in childhood. Growing up in the 1950s, family vacations and the classic television series Route 66 sparked a lifelong curiosity.
"I've always been intrigued by roads, wondering where they go," he said. "When the Route 66 renaissance got underway around 1990, I went out and started exploring the road and just became addicted."
For Graham, the spark came during a 1991 trip from St. Louis to Santa Monica.
"I was absolutely excited about it," she recalled. Armed with a camera and one of the few Route 66 books available at the time, she began photographing the highway. A Route 66 photo exhibit she created in 1992 proved so popular that it toured museums, libraries and cultural venues around the country for nearly two decades.
"I thought if I was excited about it, everybody would be
excited about it," Graham said. "And people loved it."
Together, the couple has authored multiple books while researching thousands of miles of highway, interviewing residents, uncovering forgotten stories and collecting historical photographs. Their newest work was intentionally ambitious.
"We wanted to create something that's never been done," Ross said. "A complete biography of the route—its birth, life, demise, renaissance and into the future."
That research often leads to unexpected discoveries. A vintage slide purchased online became the starting point for a deep dive into the life of a nationally known Native American entertainer. Old postcards inspired historical investigations that tracked down the stories behind handwritten messages sent decades ago.
Even after all these years, the road continues to reveal new stories.
"Route 66 is much more than a road," Graham said. "It's a collection of stories about people chasing dreams, overcoming challenges and finding adventure."
As the highway celebrates its centennial in 2026, Ross and Graham remain devoted caretakers of those stories— ensuring that future generations can discover the same wonder they found so many years ago.
For more information, go to jimross66.com.
Clockwise from top: Route 66 The First 100 Years book cover, Authors Jim Ross and Shellee Graham, Roadside photo in Afton, OK, Wide-A-Wake restaurant on Route 66 in Edmond, OK.
Behind the Banjo and Beyond the Rainbow
By Amy Dee Stephens
Ten-year-old Lucas Ross loved watching the Muppets. His dream job was to work with Jim Henson. “So, I was pretty devastated when Henson died before I grew up,” Lucas said.
In hindsight, Lucas could never have predicted the rambling course that actually led him to become the banjo player for Kermit the Frog. His first banjo memory was of Kermit singing his famous song, "The Rainbow Connection." Although Lucas did not take banjo lessons, he performed a talent show imitation of a banjo act by his hero, comedian and banjo player Steve Martin.
Lucas was not, however, destined to become part of Kermit’s life instantly. Instead, he spent years learning television production and live entertainment. He interned for That ’70s Show, became a familiar face on Freedom 43 and KFOR, joined The American Banjo Museum, and won seven Heartland Emmy Awards.
Is This the Sweetest Sound?
Without realizing it, a turning point came for Lucas when the late Dr. Irvin Wagner of the Oklahoma Community Orchestra asked him to play The Rainbow Connection and orchestrated additional songs for Lucas’s first of four music CDs for kids.
“That CD was heard by Matt Vogel, the current performer of Kermit,” Lucas said. “During COVID, Vogel invited me to play banjo for Kermit in a quarantine video. That led to a commercial, the 50th Anniversary of Schoolhouse Rock , and a Hallmark musical ornament. And now, I’m the Kermit banjo guy.”
Admittedly, Lucas hadn’t realized his performance career was under observation. Disney’s Muppets Studio had watched him for a long time. “I’m not the best banjo player, but I took some advice from Steve Martin, who said, ‘Be so good they can’t ignore you.’ So, I practiced. And I can play exactly like Kermit.”
The Lovers, The Dreamers and Me
Humor aside, Lucas acknowledges his many mentors along the way. He believes he is living proof that success is more than a “wish on the morning star.” Being nice, positive and easy to work with has kept the doors of opportunity open. “Do the right thing—even if you think no one is watching— because Disney might be watching!”
Ever since Kermit hopped into Lucas’s life in 2020, his career has experienced a metamorphosis. Early on, Lucas felt some imposter syndrome as he stepped into his childhood fantasy. After the pandemic, he was invited to play banjo in a Willie Nelson concert. Kermit was the star, but Lucas was behind the curtain.
“I was anxious. I couldn’t mess up Kermit’s song, but the Muppet crew was so welcoming that by showtime, I knew I was supposed to do this.”
Beyond the Rainbow
In recent years, Lucas played banjo in the movie Killers of the Flower Moon, and the upcoming Matthew McConaughey movie, The Rivals of Amziah King, loosely inspired by Lucas’s dad, a beekeeper.
In June, Lucas ended his morning shift at KFOR for the final time to pursue new adventures and spend more time with his teenage children. Lucas and his brother, Marcus, are developing the prototype for a local children’s show in the vein of Mr. Rogers, but his main focus is his expanded role at The American Banjo Museum.
Lucas feels a deep connection to the museum’s current exhibit called POP! Goes the Banjo! “It’s cool that the 1979 Muppets poster with Kermit playing the banjo is facing the banjo I played in Killers of the Flower Moon —so I’m in the same exhibit as my hero.”
“If I could have told my childhood self I would work with Kermit when I grew up—I would think I must be a superstar millionaire! I’m not,” Lucas laughed, “but it’s been a special journey.”
Reenacting the Ages
By Amy Dee Stephens
The Weber family has a unique pastime: dressing up in clothing from 1000 years ago to reenact life from the Middle Ages. Reid, Katie, and their daughters, Nina and Adella, enjoy sleeping in tents, eating medieval foods, and creating weapons from the 1500s. They also dabble in Viking and Civil War reenactment. In all cases, they enjoy time together while teaching others about the past.
Reid and Katie met each other at a Civil War reenactment. They were just 17 years old when Katie’s uncle had invited Reid to dance with his niece. “I remember she was wearing a full hoop skirt. We danced the entire evening together,” Reid said, “until an officer cut in for the last dance.” They began dating and married a few years later.
Robin Hood, Lord of the Rings and Legos
Several childhood events had sparked Reid’s interest in history. While growing up in the 1980s, Reid and his two older brothers watched a British television show on PBS called Robin of Sherwood. It ignited their imaginations, so they made costumes, created wooden bows and shields, and recruited their cousins to be part of the Merry Band of Thieves. Although Reid’s brothers got to be the primary characters of Robin Hood and Little John, Reid enjoyed playing minor roles.
Young Reid also discovered The Lord of the Rings trilogy and began collecting LEGO castles, which continued his interest in ancient topics. “All three of those events put me on a course to the Middle Ages,” Reid said. “What really clinched it was a Civil War reenactor who recruited me to join him. He became my mentor, and by the time I finished high school, I was doing classroom demonstrations and school talks.”
A Career in Ancient History
As a college student, Reid traveled abroad and studied a radical group of Hussites. “I went for the beer and stayed for the history,” Reid said with a laugh. “Prague is like a second home for me. It’s a fascinating and underexplored region.”
Reid’s studies led him deeper into the field of medieval history, and now, Dr. Weber is the foremost expert on 15th Century sermons by Jan Hus, a Czech theologian. Dr. Weber has spent his career reading and interpreting Hus’s 900 sermons, written in multiple languages, in an effort to learn more about the early Church and the Reformation Movement.
Dr. Weber was hired at the University of Central Oklahoma in 2017 and became the Department Chair of Humanities and Philosophy in 2024. He teaches courses on topics ranging from medieval Renaissance and Old Testament humanities to European paganism. “In higher education, students love what
professors love, especially if they teach with passion,” said Dr. Weber.
Bringing Medieval Times to Life
One of his favorite projects is serving as sponsor for the college’s Medieval Society. Students agree upon an ancient history topic and dive deeply into it for a year.
“We study it and then bring it to life for the Medieval Fair in Norman,” Dr. Weber said. “We make clothes, shoes and tools. We practice woodworking, blacksmithing and dancing. Last year we built siege weapons, including a working trebuchet (similar to a catapult). Next year, we are studying the Byzantine Empire.”
Following the example of his own Civil War mentor, Dr. Weber encourages his students to increase their knowledge and then share it in forms of reenactment. “I don’t get dressed up in wool clothing to hide in the corner — it’s so that people will ask questions,” Dr. Weber said. “I’ve seen confidence built in my students and my own children, who are both going into history careers, as they moved beyond researching and began reenacting.”
Ernie Cox Photography
Dr. Reid Weber
Joy Rails
Few career changes are as unexpected as moving from accounting to outdoor recreation, but for Benjamin Mowatt, President of Joy Rails LLC, a memorable family experience inspired an entirely new path. After spending 30 years as an accountant, Mowatt discovered the growing rail cruiser industry during a family vacation in New Hampshire in 2022. What began as a fun outing with his wife and two children quickly became the inspiration for a new business venture.
Founded in 2023, Joy Rails brings a unique outdoor experience to Oklahoma and beyond through its rail cruiser rides. Guests travel along historic railroad tracks while enjoying scenic views and a relaxing pace that allows them to fully appreciate the surroundings. Unlike many companies that offer traditional rail bikes, Joy Rails
has taken a different approach. Every rail cruiser is equipped with an E-Pedal Assist system, transforming the ride into an effortless electric-powered adventure.
The difference is simple but significant. While many rail bike experiences require constant pedaling, Joy Rails allows riders to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and cruise comfortably along the tracks. The result is an activity that appeals to a wide range of visitors, including couples looking for a unique date experience, families seeking outdoor fun, and individuals of varying ages and abilities who want to enjoy the outdoors without physical limitations.
As a young and growing company, Joy Rails is also committed to supporting the communities it serves. The business regularly donates gift certificate packages to charitable organizations, helping nonprofits raise funds through raffles and special events. Those efforts have helped charities across the country generate tens of thousands of dollars in support of their missions.
Growth continues to be a major
focus for the company. Joy Rails currently operates in Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, and New York, with plans to expand into additional states in the coming years.
To experience a fun, family-friendly rail adventure, visit Joy Rails at 3400 NE Grand Ave. in Oklahoma City. Reservations and information are available at JoyRails.com or by calling (541) 786-8205. Rail cruiser rides operate Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To promote your business with a BIZLOOK feature, contact Laura at laura@edmondoutlook.com.
Night Lights Landscape Lighting
For homeowners looking to enhance the beauty, safety, and curb appeal of their property, professional landscape lighting can make a remarkable difference. Since founding Night Lights Landscape Lighting in 2023, owner Chad Akers has built his business around delivering customized lighting solutions backed by years of specialized industry experience and a personal commitment to every project.
Akers entered the business after spending 15 years with a large local landscaping company. Following a corporate acquisition that eliminated his department, he decided it was time to pursue a long-held goal of working for himself. Confident in both his expertise and his vision, he launched Night Lights
Landscape Lighting with a focus on quality craftsmanship and personalized service.
What sets the company apart is Akers’ extensive background in low-voltage landscape lighting. With more than 17 years of hands-on experience working with virtually every major product in the marketplace, he understands how to design lighting systems that complement each home’s unique architecture and landscape. He primarily installs products from Dauer, a manufacturer known for its comprehensive product line, dependable performance, and contractor-focused approach.
The landscape lighting industry continues to evolve, and one of the fastest-growing trends is permanent house lighting. Installed beneath a home’s eaves, these systems offer yearround functionality with color-changing capabilities, fading effects, chasing patterns, and a variety of customizable lighting displays. Night Lights Landscape Lighting now offers this innovative solution through a newer product line that has generated strong, positive customer feedback and provides a streamlined installation process.
Beyond aesthetics, landscape lighting
serves practical purposes by improving visibility and increasing security. Akers takes pride in helping homeowners create inviting outdoor spaces while adding an extra layer of safety around their property.
Perhaps most importantly, clients work directly with Akers from beginning to end. He personally meets with homeowners, develops each lighting design, and completes every installation himself. That hands-on approach ensures consistency, attention to detail, and a level of personal investment that customers appreciate.
To learn more about landscape lighting or schedule a consultation, visit nightlightsll. com or call 405-549-7257. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with calls and texts welcomed after hours when needed.
To promote your business with a BIZLOOK feature, contact Laura at laura@edmondoutlook.com.
The Miracle League
By Taylor Bollinger
Thanks to the Miracle League of Edmond, America’s pastime is truly for everyone. For more than two decades, the YMCA-led program has created opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to experience the joy of stepping up to the plate, rounding the bases and being part of a team.
The Miracle League serves individuals ages 4 to 73 with a variety of disabilities. Players are divided into youth and adult teams, with approximately 10 to 12 players per team.
As Healthy Living Director at the Rankin YMCA, Ellen Mack leads the program. "When I first came to Edmond, I was told I would oversee the program," Ellen said. "I wasn't familiar with it then, but I knew I'd figure it out."
She quickly discovered Miracle League was unlike any other sports program she had managed before. "The first night I went out there, it felt like the most normal, homiest thing. I fell in love with it after that."
When she later transitioned from her role as sports coordinator to the healthy living department, she was adamant about one thing: she was taking the program with her. Under Mack's leadership, participation has doubled, growing from around 50 players to nearly 100.
The league hosts baseball seasons each spring and fall. Before each game, volunteer buddies help players practice hitting, pitching and catching skills.
Games last two innings, everyone gets a turn at bat and there are no outs. "It's about giving them a sense of normality," Mack said. "They get to be part of an American tradition they might not otherwise get to participate in."
The Miracle League field itself was designed with accessibility in mind. Its rubberized surface, made of interlocking hexagons, allows participants using wheelchairs,
canes or other mobility devices to navigate the field safely. Even the bases are painted directly onto the surface to help eliminate tripping hazards.
As the program grows, the Y is raising $300,000 through a capital campaign to improve the field's playing surface and fencing, ensuring it remains a safe and accessible place for athletes and families for years to come.
The Edmond program traces its roots back to local advocate Margo Price, who recognized her son’s love of sports and limited opportunities to participate. She partnered with the national Miracle League organization in the early 2000s to bring the program to Edmond.
The league relies on volunteers and community partners, including the Rotary Club of Edmond, local schools and Edmond Public Schools athletic teams, which regularly serve as buddies.
"You get to make new friends as volunteers," Mack said. "It's great team-building. Some parents also want to give their children the opportunity to connect with people with differences so they learn how to relate to others with love and kindness."
The impact stretches far beyond the field. "It shows anyone can get along no matter what the differences," she said. Every player receives a medal at the end of the season, but the real reward is a rich sense of belonging.
Registration is currently open for the fall season. The cost is $10 for YMCA members and $45 for nonmembers. Families can also purchase team jerseys and hats. For more information or to register for the upcoming season, contact Ellen Mack at EMack@ymcaokc.org
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
By Louise Tucker Jones
When I was in the 8th grade, I missed a question on a history test. An important question. And being a patriot, my teacher, Mr. Nobles, made me write the following sentence 500 times. “Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.” That’s right. 500 times. Believe me, I never forgot who wrote that document or the date of 1776, when it was written.
Now here we are celebrating our county’s 250th birthday. What an event! Just for fun, I looked up the 1876 anniversary. A Centennial Exposition was held at Philadelphia to commemorate the 100th anniversary with the first “World's Fair” being held in the United States.
And of course, 1976 brought our country’s Bicentennial Celebration. I personally had an even greater reason to celebrate that year. A Bicentennial Baby! My youngest son, Jay was born on April 7, 1976, complete with a Bicentennial Birth Certificate. Perhaps that’s why Jay grew up loving our country and filling his room with U.S. flags.
And where would this country be without our strong military and veterans? When I was twenty years old, my fiancé was drafted out of college. A few months later, Carl and I were married just hours before his deployment overseas. Though neither of us enjoyed the year and half separation, I am so proud of my late husband for serving our country. Carl served with honor, and forever displayed a U.S. Army sticker on the window of his truck.
Now, I love all the fireworks and parades and concerts on the birthday of our country, but I especially love the flag that represents our homeland. Those stars and stripes hold the blood of soldiers in numerous wars. It’s heavy with the tears of wives, mothers, fathers and other loved ones who sat beside a
flag-draped casket.
You may never understand that kind of sacrifice until a folded flag is placed in your own hands. But until then, honor it. Respect it. Salute it. Revere it. Many gave their lives for the freedom our flag represents. So let’s celebrate.
It’s Our Nation’s 250th Birthday! May God Bless The USA!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
Jay Jones
a look back Statue of Liberty
Edmond area Boy Scouts and city officials commemorate Edmond’s replica Statue of Liberty at 2nd Street and Boulevard on February 10, 1951. As part of the Boy Scouts of America’s 40th anniversary celebration, scouts nationwide raised funds to purchase replica Statues of Liberty for their communities. The campaign, themed “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty,” resulted in nearly 200 stamped-copper statues being installed across the country between 1949 and 1952. Edmond’s statue was relocated to Liberty Park in 1978, returned to its original site in 1991, and moved to the Edmond History Museum in 2007 due to deterioration. An exact replica now stands at 2nd and Boulevard.
