The short VIDEO below shows July 4th, 2016—at least my small view of it. 
Because I’ve spent so much time studying, writing, and teaching about the American Experience, July 4th is as important a holiday for me as any. This year marching in a July 4th Parade with GUZMAN for AURORA heightened its importance…and its fun, especially because many near life-sized Rick Guzman cardboard cutouts accompanied our contingent. Guzman for Aurora is the organization promoting my son Rick’s run for mayor of Illinois’ second largest city. I hope you’ll enjoy a little bit of us marching in the parade, then doing some chicken-dance unwinding with a Polish accordion player, then kids ringing a Liberty Bell, then the grand finale of a fireworks spectacular. Happy 4th, Everyone!
♦ Go to the Guzman for Aurora website, and to the Lead Post about the campaign on this site.
♦ Go to Videos of other Guzman for Aurora parades: Memorial Day, Fiestas Patrias.
♦ Learn about Emmanuel House being named one of the “Top 100 Most Innovative” social change organizations in the world. Our family’s foundation, it was started by Rick and Desiree Guzman.
♦ Go to a video of July 4, 2014, focused on Ray Charles’ now-iconic version of “America the Beautiful.”