Cummings-Behlke Post 226 of Mayo, Md., after a year of restrictions celebrates the Fourth of July in style once again. Every year this post would hold a picnic for members and guests, but after being approached by community groups several years ago to hold a parade, this post went into high gear.

Now it is a full day of festivities: the parade through the community with floats, fire trucks and marching groups, followed by the picnic throughout the afternoon, entertainment by a local band, and in the evening fireworks.

This year the party is back on, bigger than ever. Speeches from local politicians, reminding the crowd of the reason we celebrate, have been added. Since the COVID restrictions have been lifted, our freedom has been restored. It is time to celebrate.

Cummings-Behlke Post 226 has been a fixture in the Mayo community for over 70 years, serving the needs of the veteran and civilian community and practicing the ideals of The American Legion.