By City Manager Ken Striplin
Today, communities across America gather to celebrate our nation’s independence, honor the freedoms we enjoy and reflect on the values that unite us. Here in Santa Clarita, the Fourth of July is more than a holiday. It is a longstanding tradition that brings friends, families and neighbors together to celebrate both our country and community.
One of the best ways to experience that spirit is by attending the Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade, an iconic hometown tradition that has become a summer highlight for generations of residents. This year’s parade theme, “Celebrating 250 Years of America’s Freedom, its People, Places and History,” commemorates our nation and serves as a reminder of the remarkable journey that has shaped our country. The parade begins this morning at 9:00 a.m. in Old Town Newhall and features community groups, local organizations, businesses, classic cars, performers and hometown heroes, all coming together to celebrate what makes Santa Clarita such a special place. Whether you have attended every year or are experiencing it for the first time, I encourage you to grab a lawn chair, bring your family and join your neighbors in celebrating our nation’s birthday. The celebration does not end when the parade concludes. As the sun sets this evening, Santa Clarita’s Independence Day festivities continue with the City’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show at the Valencia Town Center. Beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m., an impressive display will light up the night sky, providing a memorable finale to a day filled with patriotism and family fun.
The Fourth of July is also a perfect time to recognize the men and women who have served our country. Throughout Santa Clarita, our Hometown Heroes Banners proudly honor local active-duty military service members. These banners serve as visible reminders of the courage, sacrifice and dedication demonstrated by members of our community who answered the call to serve. As you travel throughout the City this holiday weekend, I hope you’ll take notice of these banners. Each one tells a story of service and represents a family, a legacy and a commitment to protecting the freedoms we celebrate today.
I also encourage residents to visit the Veterans Historical Plaza (24275 Walnut Street). Designed as a place for reflection and remembrance, the plaza features monuments, military story stations, memorials and hundreds of engraved commemorative bricks honoring veterans who served our nation. Walking through the plaza and reading the names etched into these bricks provides a powerful reminder that the freedoms we celebrate on Independence Day were secured through the service and sacrifice of ordinary Americans who answered an extraordinary call.
From all of us at the City of Santa Clarita, I wish you and your family a safe, festive and memorable Independence Day.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
