It was a real slice of Americana. Tyrone’s first July 4 Celebration at Shamrock Park was a mix of food, music, games and just plain fun. It was also the occasion to celebrate the lake’s recently installed fountain, outfitted with lights.

The first time event was planned by council members Grace Caldwell and Gloria Furr and the shamrock Park Restoration Committee. The featured event of the afternoon, aside from a boatload of someone’s world-famous hot dogs and an endless variety of conversation were the comments of Commission Chairman Greg Dunn, Dr. Bob Todd and special guest Master Sgt. Pennington Walker, with the 81st Regional Readiness Command. Walker and his daughter Pennie had traveled from Birmingham for the occasion.

Members of the Cedar Grove Band played traditional bluegrass before most of the crowd of more than 75 arrived. And as they arrived, residents were met by the event’s “official” greeters, DeAnna McDuffie, Kinsey Waters and Madison Thompson. The warm summer day was made a bit cooler under the shade of the trees where grills were cooking, people were conversing about all matters political and otherwise and kids played. Also at the event, Commissioner Peter Pfeifer duly noted the horseshoes being tossed in the pit under the trees.

Befitting the celebration’s theme, “Freedom isn’t Free,” Master Sgt. Walker thanked earlier generations for their work in preserving America’s freedom. He asked for continued prayers and support for those in today’s military.

“I didn’t look for war, it came to me,” said the 21-year veteran. “My opinion went out the door when I signed my contract. So I’m not out to protect opinions about the war, I’m out to protect our children. And it’s days like this that teach our children what we are fighting for. We will get the job done and we’re in the right frame of mind to get it done. So don’t give up and don’t get discouraged. Please pray for us as we do our job and be proud of us when we come home.”

Prior to the turning on the fountain for the first time, Dunn acknowledged the work of Tyrone residents that went into making the park a reality.

“Tyrone residents fought to make Shamrock Park something beautiful and something to be proud of,” he said.

More than 50 residents and two dozen businesses provided the funds for the fountain, for the park and for its citizens.

login to post comments