FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsythians turned out by the hundreds Monday to celebrate the nation’s 246th birthday and witness Cumming’s 65th Annual Thomas Mashburn Steam Engine Parade.

The iconic steam engines whistled their salute to America as they rolled down Main Street, followed by a contingent of patriotically decorated trucks and other vehicles. The streets of Cumming were lined with American flag-waving patriots as far as the eye could see.

The prevailing mood was patriotic and celebratory.

Forsyth County was not about to let the dour mood that has swept through the country sparked by inflation, the border crisis, and the rising crime rate keep them from paying tribute to a country that has given them so much.

Melissa Vaughan, lifelong resident of Forsyth County said, “We are still free. We are still Americans. I feel like we are blessed by how we get to live compared to people in other countries.  We have so many freedoms that other people don’t have. I feel like it is worth celebrating.”

Ryan……………a Viet Nam veteran, said, “This is still the greatest country in the world and we need to celebrate it. There are people who have given up their lives to help this country stay free and independent. We have to keep celebrating our independence.”

Jerry Marinich, chairman of the Forsyth County Republican Party, said. “It’s important we celebrate this day because of the sacrifices made by our forefathers. All gave some. Some gave all.”