Buoying the colorful circumstances along the way, office holders, constituents, the curious and merry-makers savored the eclectic scenarios that were as contagious as they were spontaneous.  Takoma Park Rocks Steady and Rolls! Even "Elvis" could not resist a Comeback on July 4 2012.  Flash Back with Councilman Leventhal at the Takoma Park July 4 Parade in 2003. 
By Takoma Park July 4, 2010 Parade, Councilman Leventhal was like good wine that gets better with age with a multi-generational Team Leventhal. The Councilman was sent back to the Council. At-large, Representing All Montgomery County Residents. 
Flag of Montgomery County  
Congressman Van Hollen with Evelyn Joe aka MsJoe, the narrator.  
Team Leventhal's Volunteer Youths from African Footsteps of Tomorrow at the Takoma Park July 4th Parade 2010 with Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. 
Return to 2012
Community Partnerships. Washington Adventist Hospital and its President Ms. Joyce Newmyer exuding the Spirit of Community. 
The Takoma Park July 4 Parade 2012 was also enriched by thirteen representatives from Washington Adventist University (WAU). The theme of the parade was "Going Green" in an effort to bring awareness to environmental issues. The WAU Team gave out more than a thousand specially-made WAU rulers and pencils to parade revelers.
WAU representatives included students: Kellie Dehm, Shawntez Smith, Krista Byrd, Keisha Tulloch, John Peter, Ryan Jackson, Saria Wright, Danielle Daley, and Chantel Gooding. They were accompanied by WAU President Dr. Weymouth Spence, Vice-President William Jackson, Academic Provost Dr. Susan Hornshaw, and Dean of Men, Tim Nelson. They rode in electric golf carts adorned with U.S. flags and WAU banners.
 Back to an era, the colorful Independence Day rendition is a visual history. Who we are as a nation is informed by values that shape our better future. Inform and be informed.
A transnational Latin American reflection. Caribbean, The Pan Jammers!The American Declarers of Independence must be marveling at their creation - the world in miniature actualizing the creed:
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Not only the trained Dog, the high IQ Fish has made the Parade.   Okay, in 2012 - from the Horses' reappearances or mouths, the Takoma Park July 4 Parade has a hospitable flair for all flavors.  Hello to every national Humane Society patron.
Some Dogs marched, one rode with Montgomery County Councilwoman Nancy Floreen in the red car.
Happy Independence Day to all species! You have the local Humane Society: Yes to All Fours.
You may go through 10 other pictures of the Takoma Park July 4 2012 Parade. There are hundreds but we just cannot track or count with the inviting dynamics in every direction.
But keep up your Independent Spirit: Pictures 
 Independence Day is both inter-official and constituent glad-handling, back-slapping, high-five-ing or whatever the salutation and acknowledgement allowable under the sun. The pols were toast and a blast. The camera captured some in other sections. Unfortunately, we can't bring you all the pictures due to space limitation: first snapped, first published. LOL.  Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett greeting Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams. First Lady Catherine Leggett looks on. Do you know? Get a brief on how and when Montgomery County, Maryland was born: Timeline. United States Senator Ben Cardin (blue shirt) representing Maryland. Senator Cardin was instrumental in securing initial funding for the unprecedented Africa Trade Office. Visit Prince George's County is the Home of the Africa Trade Office. Hello, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker (left) and Maryland Attorney General Doug Gangsler (right) at the Takoma Park July 4 Parade 2012. 
State Delegate Tom Hucker & Amy Hucker with Master Sam on hand. 
Sitting behind in the automobile: State Delegate Sheila Hixson (left) and Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams (right).  State Delegate Heather Mizeur (left) and Deborah.
Local veteran in his turf - Takoma Park Councilman Terry Seamens.
The melody played on with the Ulster Scottish Bagpipers adding to the Mosaic. Inherent in the Declaration of Independence is the right to belong. This unyielding liberty is the bane of America's political system. Exercise your civic inheritance. July 4 is a free expression highway.
 State Senator Jamie Raskin in white shirt. 
Montgomery County Councilman Marc Erhlich.  Officers of the Court:
Mr. Darren M. Popkin, Sheriff of Montgomery County, Ms. Loretta E. Knight, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Mr. John J. McCarthy, State's Attorney and Mr. Joseph M. Griffin, Register of Wills 
Lively comic vibes could puncture any dull moment and originality suffered no shortage in supply. Milestones were marked in many ways.  
  From Team Leventhal, in Spirit of American Independence our appreciation for your participation in person or virtual presence. Enjoy the year and make a date with Independence Day 2013.  | | Watch President Obama's Full Response to Health Care Ruling |
Learn About the Salient Provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
 CBCF PRESIDENT ELSIE L. SCOTT, Ph.D., STATEMENTON THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
WASHINGTON, DC - "The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) applauds the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to protect the most defining law in favor of public health and preventive care services in nearly 50 years.
"Not only does the Affordable Care Act expand health care coverage for low-income populations, it enables everyone to receive recommended preventive services at no cost and expands community-based primary and preventive care. The law prevents insurance companies from refusing to cover those with pre-existing health conditions, and it enables young adults to continue receiving health insurance coverage through their parents until age 26.
"Over time, the law will close the gap in prescription drug coverage under Medicare, which leads many low- and moderate-income elderly to forgo needed medicine until catastrophic coverage goes into effect.
"It also seeks to address the unacceptable disparities in health that exist across racial/ethnic lines by requiring the collection and reporting of accurate data on health care services and health outcomes by race, ethnicity, sex, primary language and disability status.
"Just as importantly, the law requires nearly all citizens to have health insurance and makes the purchase of coverage more affordable. Mandatory health insurance helps to spread the financial risk of health care across a wider pool of individuals with differing health status, and it promotes the use of primary and preventive care.
"Given the current rates of chronic diseases affecting many in our country, including African Americans, and the skyrocketing cost of health care, we cannot afford to shift health care costs to those who can least afford it and to move our health care system away from prevention. It's a question of increasing years of healthy life and improving quality of life for all Americans, as well as containing health care costs."
Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., is president and chief executive officer for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Save the Date: Friday September 28 in African Heritage Month 2012 Launching of the Continental African Virtual Health Clinic . Providing Free Comprehensive Services to the Working Poor in collaboration with volunteer physicians and allied health professions Inaugural Sponsored by Martinsburg Pediatrics with Co-sponsorships from Community Groups and Businesses.
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Residents who are not yet U.S. citizens may vote in local elections and hold local elective office. There is special city council election coming up on July 17, 2012. 
