I could rattle off a hundred reasons why Alpena is particularly special this time of year, but, instead, I’ll name just one: The way residents celebrate the Fourth of July.

Without a doubt, the Fourth of July was our family’s favorite holiday during our years in Alpena, because of the way the community celebrated. From the Alpena News Sandcastle Contest to rubber duckie races, the parade to the fireworks, Alpena on the Fourth was extra special. It is no wonder that so many families use the holiday as a homecoming, as license plates around town during that time of celebration represent states both near and far.

From dawn to dusk, it is easy to stay busy on the holiday.

While my family participated in all of the above activities over the years on the Fourth, personally, I always was impressed with the parade. I appreciated the fact that those who lined the street still took off their hats, waved their flags that an Exchange Club member just passed out to them, put a hand over their heart, or saluted or clapped as the Color Guard marched by with Old Glory.

As the Alpena City Band strolled down the street, people sang along if they knew the tune. From fire trucks to National Guard water tankers, elaborate business floats to community vacation Bible school trailers, the parade offered something for everyone.

And, of course, there was candy. Lots and lots of candy.

Most years, there was so much candy that Halloween would pale in comparison.

Alpena residents know how to throw a patriotic party like no community I ever have lived in. Truly, a July 4 celebration in Alpena is like a slice of Americana.

This patriotic spirit that prevails in the community is something special. If it just was exhibited July 4, that would be one thing. But the spirit exists 365 days of the year, and that is what makes it genuine and noteworthy.

That spirit extends to the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, where residents always welcome visiting units from around the country. The fact that jets might be heard screaming across the skies or helicopters flying back and forth matters not to local residents, who welcome the visitors to restaurants, shopping opportunities, or watering holes across the region.

Alpena always has — and I imagine always will — embrace the CRTC and all who pass through its gates. Such support is important from the military’s perspective, whose officers understand that, by the nature of what they do, it can sometimes be disruptive to a community. Not all places are eager to welcome visitors.

It has been a long and strong relationship between community and military leaders, fostered by strong leadership at the CRTC that acts as a bridge between the two groups.

The special status Alpena holds with the military was on display earlier this week when Alpena was one of nine communities in the state chosen to be part of a flyover commemorating 100 years of refueling excellence by the U.S. Air Force.

Though they weren’t visible because of smoggy skies, Alpena residents nonetheless watched above as KC-135 Stratotankers flew in formation with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs across the skies of Northeast Michigan.

So wear the red, white, and blue come Tuesday. Wave your flags and build your sandcastles.

But, most of all, enjoy the holiday.

It’s the Fourth of July in Northeast Michigan, and no one celebrates the holiday like you do!

Bill Speer recently retired as the publisher and editor of The News. He can be reached at bspeer@thealpenanews.com.