Story and photos by Laurel Hunt | The Electric summer intern

The annual July 4 parade in downtown Great Falls included the Central Montana Nurse Honor Guard.

“It is a privilege to show our patriotism to our country and celebrate our independence,” Michele Miranti, of the group said. “It is exciting to get to represent something greater than ourselves.”

The organization is fairly new and celebrates nurses everywhere.

Walking after the military color guard, the Scouts of America held the American flag.

Scout Brandon Weninger held the flag proudly and said, “I’ve really enjoyed marching with my troop and other troops in town. It has been really fun. I enjoy being a part of something and representing Scouts.”

Great Falls Public Schools students have the opportunity to participate each year with the marching band and recent GFPS graduate Ethan Smith was soaking in this last time as a part of the tradition.

“Prep starts two days prior to the parade,” he said. “We practice marching in the streets around CMR playing the music.”

Smith has participated in the parade for years and he said it is an exceptional opportunity to get to march in front of a lot of people and let them see how fun it can be.

Many other community groups participated in the annual parade.