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Fabulous Fourth of July in Lee’s Summit
07-11-09
Fabulous Fourth of July in Lee’s Summit
Tribune Photo/Kathy Smith: St. Margaret’s of Scotland Knights of Columbus cooked up a storm at the annual picnic before the Legacy Blast. The event is held on the church grounds every Fourth of July. Left to right: Nick Laposha, Tom Satariano, Greg Immethun, Eddie Morgan a.k.a.Father of the Grill, Tom Kolenda, Chuck Paquette, Joe Cusimano, and Brad Hayob.
By Kathy Smith, Tribune Society Editor
I watched as the sparkle from fireworks surrounded a neighbor’s American Flag. A small child was setting off fireworks like most other children in my neighborhood. As the glow of the fireworks shone on the young person’s face I wondered if he had any idea what he was celebrating.
The Fourth of July is one of those neat patriotic holidays that should make us feel proud and thankful that we live in America. The price for our freedom has been great! Thousands have given their lives for our country beginning with those who fought in the Revolutionary War. That first war of our country doesn’t get much air time or press coverage anymore. Once in a while you will see that iconic picture of the first flag with brave soldiers dressed in waist coats and those 3 pointed hats. Through the years the service of men and women has been the reason we are all here today.
It was my pleasure on the Fourth of July to visit with the Knights of Columbus from St. Margaret’s of Scotland Church. As a service to their community they have a cook out every year so folks can watch the Legacy Blast put on by the Lee’s Summit Parks and Rec. That event has gotten very big and pays homage to a time not so very long ago when our citizens would gather at City Park now Harris Park for fireworks, homemade fried chicken and delicious pies made by some of the best cooks in the area. Men would make good use of the horseshoe pits and horseman would show off their prize thoroughbreds. The St. Margaret’s Knights of Columbus are a great group of men dedicated to service. I like that! It is old fashioned yet so today. We need more groups who live by good deeds. The Knights cooked up some mean grub thanks to Jim Nesselrode from K.C. Rib and Ed Morgan who supplied the buns. The Ladies Auxiliary baked up some mouthwatering cookies. The Knights told me that hey served more than 200 hot dogs and a bunch of hamburgers.
The evening was complete with some cool music provided by Joe Liccar, Craig Richards, Jack Behm, David Stair and Larry (mystery man) on the trumpet. This was a great background for the Legacy Blast fireworks. It was an evening of great family fun.
I was privileged to meet Andrew Wright who is a Boy Scout with Troup 391 from St. Margaret’s/Our Lady of Presentation. This fine young man told me about his experiences at scout camp in Osceola. He is a very community minded young man who is working very hard toward his Eagle Scout. His enthusiasm was wonderful. To me he was the face of all the Americans in the past who have served whether it’s in their communities or in the military. He is also the face of the future for all of us, full of hope and pride.
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