Religion out of place in July 4th parade

Why do we allow any religion to showcase itself in the July 4th parade? The parade should be an event celebrating the fact that we, as Americans, have basic constitutional rights, like freedom of speech. It should not be an event where we exercise those rights by peddling our personal religious beliefs.

Independence Day is a public, secular holiday. It is not a holiday belonging to any one or all religions. It is a time for patriotic unity, not for special interests, especially those of a religious nature. Somehow, the "pro-life" placards and the large American flag draped between two towering white crosses, seemed out of place at a 4th of July parade.

Separation between church and state is a fundamental principle upon which our nation's government is built. Yet, on the 4th of July, wherein we pay homage to our nation and its principles, we invite religious groups to wrap themselves in the red, white and blue, blurring what should be a clear line of separation between church and state.

This letter is not intended to offend any religion or religious group, or to belittle the invaluable mission work to which they are committed. My family and I are very involved in our church. I just don't think that the 4th of July parade is the appropriate forum to publicize our church or its beliefs.

The 4th of July parade is meant to be a celebration of all that is American. It is a place for high school bands and youth sports teams, for kids riding bikes adorned with red, white and blue streamers, and for neighbors to get together to celebrate togetherness as citizens of the greatest country on earth. Let us try not to forget that. There is a place for religion in everyone's life, but the 4th of July parade is simply not the place.

Mike Fanella

Arlington Heights