By Clyde Noel

If ever there was a year that America needed a rousing celebration of its birthday, this was it.

Boo Bue, master of ceremonies of Los Altos’ “Glorious 4th” celebration last Thursday, asked the crowd to yell “Happy Birthday USA.”

Then he urged, “This time put some oomph behind it.”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA,” the crowd sang.

This July 4 was America’s first birthday celebration since the horrific events of Sept. 11, which united the nation and shredded its sense of invulnerability.

The people who came to Shoup Park to celebrate July 4 were mostly family groups.

The crowd was smaller than last year’s, but it seemed more enthusiastic in its patriotism because of Sept. 11.

“I love the hype and the celebration,” Paula McFall said. “We need to celebrate what we have and offer a great sense of gratitude for the country.”

The United States Marine Corps Color Guard and Drill Team performed their usual routine before the 900-plus crowd, which showed appreciation for their pomp and disciplined marching.

The keynote speaker, Capt. Harold Schapelhouman of the Menlo Park Fire Department Search & Rescue Team, referred to Sept. 11.

“I come here with a heavy heart. It’s an uncomfortable feeling because we lost a lot of friends there, but our spirit is strong,” he said. “You watch people come together and become inspired because you know what you have to do.”