Yumans keep traditions on Fourth

Independence Day in Yuma brings with it decades of local traditions including parades, a demolition derby and fireworks.

The epic July heat could not stop Yumans from showing their patriotism during several local events throughout the day.

The morning kicked off with the Annual Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Yuma Armed Forces Park put on by Caballeros de Yuma in honor of local military veterans.

Next up, dozens of citizens got tenderfeet walking in the 48th Annual Independence Day Parade held in the neighborhood surrounding Christ Lutheran Church.

"We do the parade to continue the tradition and continue the freedom we have in this country," said the Rev. Vince Harman.

"It is also something fun for the kids and it is great to see so many participating. I'm thankful to God for the country we live in, and the freedom we enjoy."

Kimberly Meeks walked in the parade with her young children.

"I do it for my children," said Meeks. "It's one of the few things they can participate in on the Fourth of July while celebrating the holiday. It reminds me every year how much I appreciate being in a country where there is so much freedom, especially the freedom of religion, which is so important to me."

Later in the morning the Vietnam Veterans of America, Yuma Chapter 835, were at the Desert Rose Retirement Facility to help the employees there dedicate a new memorial called The Wall of Honor that shows the pictures of the veterans living in the facility when they were young and in the service of the United States.

"We are honoring all veterans who live here in Desert Rose with the unveiling of their memorial of photographs," said Jan Schumacher, whose husband is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

"It is important to honor all veterans from all wars. Today is about freedom and independence, and veterans have given so much for those freedoms. We want the younger generations to appreciate the veterans and to continue the tradition."

Linda Miknaitis, who works at the retirement facility, said the wall honors the 29 veterans currently living there.

"We need to always honor those who have fought for our freedom. I don't think people today appreciate the fact that there were so many sacrifices made and are still being made so we can enjoy our freedoms."

Across town, nearly 1,000 people gathered to exercise the right to free speech at a “tea party” event held at Britain's Farms by voicing their disapproval of the current state of affairs.

"We're practicing our unalienable rights of free speech and to address our grievances with the government," said John Minore. "This is people supporting the right to be free. People gave their lives for us so we could do this."

After a long afternoon basking in the sun at local waterways, or gathering together in backyards for the great American past-time of grilling, thousands of people flocked to the Yuma County Fairgrounds to watch as behemoth steel junker cars, painted in a variety of eye-popping colors, purposely smashed into each other during the annual demolition derby.

"This is awesome," Justin Morado said, "it is a good day to celebrate our nation's independence, and the derby is something different."

Nathan Shedd has been going to the derby for 25 years.

"This is what we do in Yuma," Shedd said. "I think it is a wonderful deal, and is a great opportunity for a family outing. The derby is a big tradition."

According to Kelly Watkins, general manager of the Yuma County Fairgrounds, there were 27 cars participating in the derby this year as nearly 6,000 spectators watched.

The roar of engines and the crunching of steel was a deafening din as the modified junkers smacked and spun out of control. One car even caught fire and had to be extinguished by the Red Dog Fire Safety Crew. With every impact the crowd cheered excitedly like a modern version of old Roman gladiatorial combat.

Out of 27 cars there could be only one winner, and that was Sam Deckard who drove the 95.1 KTTI car. Deckard was given a prize of $1,000 for his victory.

The day's celebrations closed out with fireworks lighting up the night sky in fiery splendor.

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