header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
May 1
1927: First major competition, second annual rodeo, at new Baker Ranch arena (later Saugus Speedway). Overflow crowd more than fills 18,000-seat arena. Entire SCV population was ~3,000 [story]
1927 Baker Ranch Rodeo


“You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high-flying flag, and forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave.”
– “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” a spirited march by George M. Cohan

Those patriotic words were penned back in 1906 by George M. Cohan for a stage musical titled “George Washington Jr.”

According to the Library of Congress, these lyrics were inspired by a chance meeting Cohan had with a Civil War veteran who fought at Gettysburg.

Cohan commented upon the ragged American flag the man had carefully folded and was holding to his chest. The man said, “She’s a grand old rag.”

This inspired Cohan and was the original title of the song, but many objected to calling our patriotic flag, a rag, so he “gave ’em what they wanted,” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” is how the song is still sung today.

That same American pride will be on display right here in Santa Clarita, on the Fourth of July, as our much-loved hometown parade marches through city streets. This year’s theme: It’s a Grand Old Flag.

I urge all of you to don your red, white and blue and join us to experience the historic legacy that is Santa Clarita’s Fourth of July parade.

The parade, which kicked off the proud tradition that we enjoy today, was first held in 1932. The theme was “Old Time,” and parade participants included ranchers, cowboys and even a mule team. The 2018 parade will pay homage to its roots with equestrians, carriages, classic cars and of course, lots of “Grand Old Flags.”

Although we are the third largest city in Los Angeles County, we have managed to maintain a unique sense of community and hometown feel. This will once again be evident in this year’s parade as thousands of our residents will line city streets to cheer on our Cub Scouts, marching bands, kids, cheerleaders, local car clubs and so many more.

This year’s Fourth of July parade will begin at 9 a.m. in Old Town Newhall, and will continue west down Lyons Avenue. For more information please visit SCVParade.com.

​Later that evening take your loved ones and find a spot where you can enjoy the fireworks spectacular from Westfield Valencia Town Center. The show kicks off at 9:15 p.m. and will be accompanied by a live broadcast from KHTS AM 1220.

Did you know that it was our founding father John Adams who called for fireworks to be part of our Independence Day festivities? In a letter he wrote on July 3, 1776, he envisioned the holiday being celebrated “with Pomp and Parade, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other, from this Time forward forever more.”

Of course, at that time, firing off cannons and guns was a form of celebration. We want to remind you that all fireworks are illegal in the city of Santa Clarita. For the sake of public safety, we encourage everyone to enjoy the free, professional fireworks show at the mall.

This is for your own safety – fireworks can result in serious burn injuries, loss of limbs or even death. Also for the safety of others – the loud noises can be particularity traumatizing to our veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and to our pets.

Fireworks are also a serious danger to our dry hillsides, washes and canyons. We know all too well how fast a fire can spread in our Valley.

I would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Fourth of July. To our veterans and those currently serving our country – thank you for your service and thank you for our freedom.

“Ev’ry heart beats true, ‘neath the Red, White and Blue, Where there’s never a boast or brag. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.”

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Imagine a day where barriers dissolve and possibilities unfold, a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity.
Monday, Apr 29, 2024
At the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, we reviewed the Chief Executive Officer's proposed $45.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year.
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024
Spring heralds a time of renewal and rejuvenation, not just in the natural world, but within our homes and lives as well.
Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024
Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement in support of the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer’s presentation of a $45.4 billion budget for the forthcoming 2024-25 fiscal year.
Monday, Apr 22, 2024
Recently I had the opportunity, along with spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein and Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA President Nikole Bresciani, to meet with NBC 4 reporter Kathy Vara to discuss the current challenges facing animal sheltering organizations.
Monday, Apr 22, 2024
As city manager for 12 years now and a longtime resident of Santa Clarita, I am always proud to see how our community continues to grow.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Imagine a day where barriers dissolve and possibilities unfold, a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity.
Cameron Smyth:  Free To Be Me at West Creek Park
The final Business Property Statement deadline is approaching fast, with payments need by May 7 to avoid penalties. 
May 7: Assessor Reminds Businesses as Last BPP Deadline Nears
Last Friday SCVEDC teamed up with the city of Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons, L.A. County's America's Job Center of California, and the Chamber of Commerce to host their 4th valley-wide job fair. 
Fourth SCV Jobfair Draws Biggest Crowd Yet
The Santa Clarita Public Library is excited to announce its upcoming celebration in honor of Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library Branch.
May 4: Celebrate Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros at the Santa Clarita Public Library
1927: First major competition, second annual rodeo, at new Baker Ranch arena (later Saugus Speedway). Overflow crowd more than fills 18,000-seat arena. Entire SCV population was ~3,000 [story]
1927 Baker Ranch Rodeo
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has announced the introduction of AB 2863, a bill aimed at protecting consumers and putting more money back in people’s pockets by simplifying the cancellation process for subscription services.
Schiavo Introduces Click to Cancel Bill to Protect Consumers
City of Santa Clarita residents can get low-cost spay/neuter services for your pets every Monday at the mobile clinic located in the parking lot of the Newhall Community Center.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Mobile Clinic at Newhall Community Center
The Vasquez Rocks Natural Area invites you to an evening around the campfire at the Vasquez Rocks Interpretive Center. Live music, sing-alongs, animal meet and greets, storytelling, crafts, activities, show + tell tables, s'mores and more.
May-October Fireside Nights at Vasquez Rocks
It's time to kick up your heels and head on over to Gilchrist Farm for the Hoedown for Hope event Saturday, June 22, 6-10 p.m.
June 22: Howdown for Hope at Gilchrist Farm
A relic of Saint Jude has left Italy for the first time on an extended tour of the United States. Treasures of the Church, an evangelization ministry of the Catholic church, will present the Tour of the Relic of St. Jude the Apostle. The relic of St. Jude will be hosted Monday, May 6 at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church.
May 6: Catholic Relic of St. Jude Makes Stop at St. Kateri
College of the Canyons film instructor Bavand Karim will attend Marche du Film, one of the largest film markets in the world, at the Cannes Film Festival in May to promote the launch of a new film slate by CINE & Lost Winds Entertainment.
COC Film Instructor to Attend Marche du Film at Cannes Film Festival
Santa Clarita’s opera company, Mission Opera has been selected to present ‘The Merry Widow: Madonna’ as part of the OPERA America National Conference and World Opera Forum, being held in Los Angeles in early June.
June 6-8: Mission Opera Performances of ‘The Merry Widow: Madonna’
Given the ongoing uncertain situation in the Red Sea and surrounding area and following extensive consultation with global security experts and government authorities, Princess Cruises, which is headquartered in Valencia, is revising the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, which will no longer visit the Middle East or Asia, and now instead, will offer new port stops in Africa and Europe.
Princess Cruises Reroutes Global Voyages Due to Middle East Uncertainty
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo will host an upcoming Youth and Family Festival, a day packed with fun, learning and community engagement. This event is free to all and will bel held on Saturday, May 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at the College of the Canyons
May 4: Schiavo to Host Youth, Family Festival
1973 - Watergate figure H.R. "Bob" Haldeman, a former CalArts board member, resigns from Nixon White House [link]
Haldeman
The 97th annual commencement ceremony of The Master’s University will be taking place on campus Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m.
May 3: Livestream 2024 TMU Commencement
Three seats on the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, will be up for election in November 2024.
COC Hosting Info Sessions for Prospective Board Candidates
The second and final day of the Golden State Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships gave The Master's University men's team their second championship in a row, while the women finished second.
TMU Men’s Track Brings Home GSAC Title, Women Finish Second
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association at Barnes and Noble Valencia May 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for its SCAA monthly meeting, featuring Rex Kochel.
May 20: SCAA to Feature Artist Rex Kochel
The city of Santa Clarita has released a list of arts-related events happening in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Santa Clarita Announces Newest Exhibits, Calls for Artworks
The Santa Clarita Artists Association’s Gallery is showcasing a new exhibit called, "Faces," from May 3 to June 2.
SCAA Announces New Exhibit ‘Faces’
At the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, we reviewed the Chief Executive Officer's proposed $45.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year.
Kathryn Barger | Focusing on Mental Health
A special meeting of the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Governing Board will be held 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1. It will be followed by the regular meeting of the Hart Board at 7 p.m.
Hart District to Hear Superintendent Search Firm Presentations
The College of the Canyons Foundation has launched a bench program to allow individuals the unique opportunity to dedicate a bench in honor of a loved one.
COC Foundation Launches Bench Dedication Program
SCVNews.com