Watch CBS News

Weston's Independence Day Parade Celebrates "The Dream"

WESTON (CBS4) - It's 'three cheers for the red, white and blue' as America celebrates this year's Independence Day with pride, patriotism and even a parade or two.

"We're out here to celebrate the birthday of America," said Hans Rowland of Weston with his wife and two sons in tow.

"It's a family event every year," said his Rowland's wife Jessica.

The Rowlands were joined by hundreds of others Monday's morning to watch, or take part in, Weston's annual Independence Day parade.

"We're just so happy to be out today, we just want our kids to take part in this and they can learn what the 4th of July is all about. The birth of our country, our independence," said Edna Robles accompanied by her husband and three child.

This year's theme was 'Celebrating the American Dream'. In diverse South Florida, the American dream means different things to lots of different people.

"I'm an immigrant so I'm living the dream. I'm living the American dream to have an opportunity to live in a city like Weston, is living the dream," said Nathaniel Hamilton who moved to South Florida 33 years ago from Trinidad.

For Jessica Rowland the American dream means "freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom to have whatever you need. We're e very lucky to have that."

"We're in a free world, free country," said Hans Rowland.

Freedom, however, comes at a price which is often paid by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces; a thought not lost on those who took to the streets of Weston.

"And we don't want to forget our soldiers who have fought for our freedom, that's something very important and that's something we want to instill in our children," said Juan Robles.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.