By Clyde Noel

Town Crier Correspondent

It’s been a long while since July 4 fell on a Wednesday, but it didn’t make any difference to the families who flocked to Shoup Park for the mix of patriotic celebration, summertime fun and barbecues. They formed the largest “Glorious 4th” crowd in history.

Los Altos residents Pat and Eric Millar look at this as an annual community event. “I grew up in New Jersey, and July 4 was always a big celebration for my small town,” Pat said. “I’m real proud of what Los Altos is doing today.”

Sam Harding, master of ceremonies for “Glorious 4th 2001,” who grew up in Walpole, Mass., told the audience that we celebrate Independence Day to remind us of the debt we owe our founding fathers.

Keynote speaker Armand King, Los Altos History Museum docent, spoke of Los Altos’ history and how they celebrated July 4 in the past.

“There are more people here in Shoup Park today than lived in Los Altos in 1948-49,” King said.

Los Altos families like Don and Maxine Wilson invited their neighbors, and 16 people celebrated and feasted together at a Shoup Park picnic table. Some of them have known each other since 1950, when they first moved to Los Altos.

The Independence Day celebration is also for the kids. Los Altos Hills resident Sandy Morgans brought the kids for a good time because they love to visit Shoup Park. Kirk Paige, a Los Altos resident, brought his family and watched his children enjoy the festivities.

“We were in town this year and I wouldn’t miss this celebration,” Paige said. “It’s community events like this that give Los Altos that small town feel you want to live in.”

The United States Marine Corps Color Guard and Drill Team represented the Armed Forces. An appreciative audience rose from their blankets to provide a standing ovation as the Marines paraded off the grass. Ye Olde Towne Band furnished patriotic songs.

There wasn’t anyone present prouder than Los Altos Council member John Moss, dressed in red, white and blue. Born July 4, 1942, Moss enjoyed a double celebration - Independence Day and his birthday.

Sitting next to the “Cradle of Liberty” statue, Los Altos resident Bobbie Christensen said, “How can you not be patriotic when you see everything going on around here?”

“When I move on, I will always remember Los Altos because my family are the roots to my life,” said speaker Katherine Hill, a senior at Los Altos High School. “It’s small towns like this where you have the good life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”