Parading patriotism

Singing "This Land is Your Land" and waving American flags, the children from Kinderland Nursery paraded their patriotism around their west Carson City neighborhood Thursday.

"We became our country on the Fourth of July," explained Baylee Freley, who led the parade with a grand flag.

Rosetta McFadden, who has had the day care since 1964 and now runs it with her daughter Mayla McFadden, said they dedicate much time to learning the nation's history.

"We do a lot of teaching about our presidents and about our country," she said. "This year, we even learned part of the Preamble to the Constitution. The parade is sort of a culmination of our study."

The Fourth of July parade, along with a St. Patrick's Day parade, has become an annual tradition for the school.

Sue Jones, who owns the neighboring business The Purple Avocado, has come to expect the patriotic march and stepped outside Thursday to watch and wave at the children.

"The kids are so cute," she said. "It's just amazing how they get the kids together and walk around the block. It brightens all of our days."

As Elizabeth Kaminsky, 9, walked down the street, she kept in mind the reason she was doing so.

"In America, everybody is free," she said. "We're not being forced to do things."

Andrew List took the morning off work to watch his three children, John, 6, Roland, 5, and Kathleen, 3, from the front yard of his Nevada Street home.

"These kids are learning history and having fun at the same time," he said.

He's been privy to the rehearsals as well.

"They've been singing patriotic songs all week - at home, at play, at the dinner table, in the tub."

After the parade, the students were treated to a carnival-style day of fun with activities and treats like cotton candy. It was the highlight of the celebration for Devin Kruger, 9.

"I only want to have the water fight," he said during the parade.