Waves of liberty

Bryce Alderton

The humidity, the clouds, and a new parade route -- these three

variables made the 97th annual Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade

different from previous years, but patriotism, nostalgia and celebration

still flowed on this Fourth of July.

Parade-watchers of all ages were treated to 250 parade entries,

including a Statue of Liberty float that captured the “Waves of Liberty”

theme, members of Chapter 14 Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and

Battery B, a Civil War reenactment group that tours Southern California.

Flags waved as participants made their way down the parade route, which

changed to include more of Pacific Coast Highway and downtown Main

Street.

Laura Banta, an occupational therapist in Lancaster, drove down with

her husband to participate in the parade. As part of Battery B, Banta

wore a vintage blue and white-checkered dress reminiscent of Civil War

battle days.

“There’s a lot of patriotism. It’s refreshing. It’s so nice to share

in a patriotic event that is community-oriented,” Banta said. “This

parade brings back memories of the East Coast. It’s nostalgic seeing

everyone dressed in red, white and blue. It’s great seeing neighbors

having cookouts in their backyards at 10 a.m.”

Sgt. Tony Iantorno of the 251st Coast Artilery Anti-Aircraft

Protection Unit had a different reason to participate in the event -- to

educate youth about World War II. His unit was one of many that that

fired at Japanese fighters Dec. 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl

Harbor.

“We’re concerned about the kids in this country so we go to schools

and talk about Pearl Harbor so it won’t happen again,” Iantorno said.