July 4, 2007
Cordele -- It's the sizzling sound a summer cookout. Hundreds gathering at Veterans State Park today to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Like many park visitors, Americus resident Raymond Pickett and his family enjoy the 4th by the grill. A 17-year tradition for his family.
He says, "I've been coming out here since I was 2-years-old. It's good to celebrate the holiday by showing love to my family and having a good time."
Blue skies and warm temperatures combined for perfect weather at the perfect setting, the shores of Lake Blackshear.
Each Fourth of July hundreds flock here to the shores of Lake Blackshear to celebrate our Nation's independence with cookouts and good family fun. But when you're unable to find any shade when the hot Georgia sunshine reaches the mid-nineties, one the best places to cool off is the lake.
"We're having fun on the lake. We're going to the blue hole and we're going to have some fun," exclaims Pennsylvania native Kirsten Ott.
If not by land it was by sea for swimmers and boaters of all ages.
But for park visitor Lee Ford, who will deploy for Iraq in November, he realizes all too well the sacrifices that were made to allow Americans to celebrate this holiday.
"It's pretty special. I never looked at the Fourth like this until I joined the Army. I look at it a little different now," says Ford.
So before you fire up the grill and head off on the jet ski, take a moment to remember the true meaning of the red, white, and blue.
Fore more information on Fourth of July festivities at Veterans State Park click on the link below.
http://www.georgiaveteransstatepark.org/
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