Independence Day: Festivities on the Fourth

  • Even the horses were ready for the annual Western North Carolina Wagon Train Parade on Saturday in downtown Andrews. Photo by Sam Jokich
    Even the horses were ready for the annual Western North Carolina Wagon Train Parade on Saturday in downtown Andrews. Photo by Sam Jokich

        Andrews - Local leaders and dignitaries from across the state attended the town’s Independence Day celebration Saturday. Hundreds of residents of all ages gathered to celebrate the birth of American liberty and freedom.
        “I am so glad to be an American because I know that we can all come together despite any differences we have,” said Madison Cawthorn, the Republican nominee for the 11th Congressional District seat. “This is a country that celebrates our differences and becomes a melting pot to bring us all together.”
        Cawthorn said he decided to run for Congress after his engagement to be married made him think about future children. His goal as an elected official would be to serve his constituents and preserve American ideals.
        “I started thinking of having a child and realized that our country is headed in a direction that scares me,” he said. “We’re headed in a direction like the book 1984 by George Orwell that talks about when all the statues are torn down, when all of our history is renamed, and when the very identity and soul of our country is changed.
        “I would hate to have my child look up to me and say, ‘Dad, what was capitalism like?’ And I have to hold my head in shame and say, ‘Well, it’s not around anymore because I didn’t stand up and fight.’ … Our country is the most forward-thinking, the most inclusive, the most powerful and the greatest force for good of any country that has ever existed in all of our world’s history.”
        State Rep. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin) read the preamble to the U.S. Constitution before telling attendees that elected officials must defend America.
        “The first time we amended the Constitution, it said you have the freedom of speech. The second time, it said we have the right to bear arms,” Corbin said. “We as elected officials have to defend that, just as we have to defend our flag and our country.”
        Andrews Mayor James Reid echoed those sentiments.
        “Every single day we have to fight a little harder for our freedom, and that’s what I challenge all of you to do,” he said. “Stand up for what’s right and stand up for America because we can lose it so easily.”
        The all-day celebration featured a peanut drop, live music, fireworks and a parade by the Western North Carolina Wagon Train. Cancer fighter Danner Cochran was named honorary mayor of Andrews for the day.