Boston's historic Fourth of July parade draws visitors from across country
Boston streets were awash with red, white, and blue Thursday morning as the city held its annual Fourth of July parade.
"It's a federal holiday of course, but here in the cradle of liberty, it feels extra personal," Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said. "We know here in Boston that our work didn't end when our democracy was born."
The parade, a celebration of patriotism, began at City Hall Plaza.
Officials emphasized the importance of Independence Day, not just on a federal and national level, but specifically for the city of Boston.
"It's wicked awesome, it doesn't get any better, we're in the historical district of Boston, it's just so beautiful to be here," Lauren Feeney from Duxbury said.
The procession moved down Tremont Street, stopping to lay wreaths at the historic Granary Burial Ground.
The parade concluded at the Old State House, the very spot where Bostonians gathered to hear for the first time the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
"It's been really special to see that with my family, it's been really cool to teach our kids about what America is and what all that means," Nicole Moore, visiting from Maryland, said. "It's really cool to be in a place with so much history."
"I love America and everything it's about, and wanted to celebrate," said Wayne Lemond, who traveled from Atlanta to witness the event.
"It's amazing, just absolutely amazing, all the history, we don't have this in Atlanta," Jennifer Lemond said.
While most attendees were focused on the day's festivities, some were already looking ahead.
In 2026, Boston and the country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.