Old Glory and all the beloved ideals she stands for will get a chance to shine tomorrow in a county as patriotic as any in the United States.

Waving flags of all sizes will festoon Main Streets, businesses and homes large and small from Cherry Valley to Seven Fields, including the 40-foot by 80-foot version raised for the first time Saturday in Slippery Rock Park and the large and majestic version flying over Butler Armco Credit Union in Pullman Business Park.

Mothers will bake cakes and pies with edible red, white and blue toppings for family picnics.

The annual Fourth of July parade in Zelienople and a celebration in downtown Mars will fete America’s independence from Great Britain almost 250 years ago.

Those whose hearts are swelling with American pride will don their favorite star spangled clothing and hats to demonstrate their appreciation for the freedoms enjoyed in Butler County and across the good old U.S.A.

After dark, county residents, from those sipping a juice box in a stroller to the last handful of treasured World War II veterans, will cast their eyes to the heavens to enjoy the sounds and colors that replicate the rocket’s red glare of long ago, which in turn represents the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives to protect our precious liberty.

In fact, events to celebrate America’s birthday have been ongoing all week so that folks from all corners of the county can attend as many patriotic goings-on as possible.

John Cyprian, former director of the county Veterans Services Department, always said Butler County is tops in patriotism among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, and given the effort displayed by so many on and around the Fourth of July, it would be hard to refute that claim.

The Butler Eagle heartily supports all Independence Day events and displays, whether large or small, as the journalism we have pursued for more than 150 years is itself a harbinger of democracy.

We hope everyone in our county takes the time tomorrow to think of the courage of those who signed our Declaration of Independence 247 years ago and all those who have fought and died to support the principles of liberty that continue to thrive today.

We wish all our readers a happy and meaningful Independence Day.

— PJG