A Day in the Life of Patriot Indiana

The campaign’s volunteers and I were excited to have the opportunity to be involved in the annual 4th of July parade in Patriot. I had the chance to meet some of the fine folks of Patriot the day before, and I was anxious for the people who were walking in the parade with me to experience some of the wonderful hospitality that I had witnessed. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating very well in the early part of the day and just before the parade began to depart the staging area the skies opened up and the rain began to fall. As people scurried to find umbrellas and ponchos the parade entries began the march down Main Street. As we walked down the street toward town in the pouring rain we were soaking wet and didn’t know what to expect once we reached town. That concern was quickly lifted. The rain couldn’t keep the people of Patriot down. Everyone was out, and there were so many smiling faces. It was inspiring to see that even though the weather was not at its best the town refused to miss this opportunity to come together and honor our great country and great community.

After the parade there was a flag raising ceremony in the town park followed by a community picnic. I was honored to be asked to participate in the ceremony by exchanging one of the flags. After the flag ceremony everyone sat down for lunch and I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with those who came out, but I didn’t get to meet on the parade route. One gentleman I met sticks out in my mind even now. He said to me “well it may have rained on our parade, but it didn’t rain on our spirits.” What an outstanding outlook and good words to live by. I believe in that one sentence he captured the essence of Patriot, IN.
I want to say thank you so much to the people of Eastern Switzerland County who made us feel so welcome on the 4th. It was Americana at its finest; it may have been raining, but it didn’t dampen the pride of the people of Patriot. This sense of community once again demonstrated the views and culture that are important to the people of Southeastern Indiana, and this is just one of many parts that I want to make sure is represented given the opportunity to serve the people of Southeastern Indiana in Indianapolis. Although we are small communities we are important communities with important issues and important beliefs. Thank you so much for your hospitality and your fighting spirit! It is obvious now that the people of Patriot represent their name well!
JUD
(See photos from the event by going to the main page and clicking on the “flickr” link in the bottom right hand corner)