To the editor:

Reading about the apathy surrounding this year’s Fourth of July parade brought back memories of earlier years.

Not so long ago, as July 4 approached, the house filled to overflowing with family and friends. People came from Texas, New York, South Carolina and California. One year, two grown-ups and three children flew all the way from Indonesia just to get here on time. Lawrence was “the” place to be for a real American Fourth.

Everyone went to the Independence Days festivities at Burcham Park. No child would miss stopping by “train park” and climbing all over the old locomotive. In the evenings we set off fireworks in the yard, the older children teaching the little ones in a ceremony of safety and excitement that passed down the years. Then there was the cookout at the lake and the big fireworks display at Kansas University or later down by the river.

Well, times have changed. Independence Days celebrations were canceled for lack of funds. “Train park” is now named after a former city official. And the train itself is fenced off so securely it’s been dropped from the children’s wish list. Last but not least, there will be no Roman candles and firecrackers in our yard this year.

I believe that glory of the Fourth of July in Lawrence has been gradually strangled by common sense. Something that mattered has been lost. We have exchanged adventure for apathy.

John Heider,

Lawrence