Veteran takes charge of canceled Fourth Of July parade

Updated
Veteran Takes Charge Of Canceled Fourth Of July Parade
Veteran Takes Charge Of Canceled Fourth Of July Parade


Officials in Liberty, Kentucky, canceled the small town's Fourth of July parade due to lack of interest -- but then retired Army Staff Sgt. Glen Phillips Jr. took charge.



WLEX reports: "We're not going to celebrate our independence that we declared 238 years ago? That's wrong."

Phillips retired honorably after 18 years of service. He says that it's important to hold the parade so children won't forget the meaning behind the national holiday.

WTVQ says: "We've got to lead by example and show them the right thing so they never forget the sacrifices made by our forefathers and that are currently being made as we speak."

WAVE says: "We more stand for the folks that cannot stand. The ones in the past," the Veteran said.

The town of Liberty not only has freedom in its name, but Phillips says it was also founded by two Revolutionary War soldiers. And the county where he lives is full of fellow service members like him.

"Some of them were teachers of mine at school; some of them were just friends," Phillips said.

Liberty's Chamber of Commerce director says a Fourth of July celebration is still scheduled -- it was only the parade that was once canceled.

Phillips brought attention to the issue via Facebook, and as he started to gain supporters, he was then given permission to plan the parade.

"Freedom needs a little help every now and then," the Veteran said.

Phillips and his volunteers were given only eight days to prepare. But with help from the community, it seems like the parade will be better than ever.

Fox News reports: "We've got an 11-year-old young man that volunteered to help, and we've got them up to 70 years old."

Looks like Phillips and his supporters will ​​have more than one reason to celebrate on Friday.

Also on AOL:
Woman fined hundreds for yard sale signs after making just $4
'Extreme Weight Loss': Widow Melissa's amazing transformation
Fascinating facts about your fast food

Advertisement