My dad, a vietnam vet who suffers from severe PTSD, has been really down in the dumps lately. He only gets out for minor trips to the pharmacy and grocery store because he can't leave my mom who has dementia and a heart condition, alone for long.

I asked him if he wanted to go to the hardware store with me and he jumped at the chance. I took him out of the city he lives in that has mask mandates and he got to walk around like a normal person for a bit in his life. He decided he wanted to go to a few other places and I'm glad he did because on our way we saw a huge Trump parade.

I hope everyone who participates in these realizes they're not just mini campaigns, they're spreading actual hope. My dad has been so depressed, but when he saw all the people with the American flags on their vehicles and the Trump flags and posters it completely made his day. I think he sees all the depressing things online and on tv, that he doesn't see what the world is really like and that despite what he's being told there are people still fighting for his freedom.

He said "we can't lose! We just can't" I know he's terrified the country he almost lost his life serving will fall to communism. But these parades have given him just a bit more hope for the future!