Proud to be Iowans: Gowrie puts Americana on display
‘Everyone has a patriotic spirit. It makes it really fun’
GOWRIE — For Brandi Hemesath, of Decorah, the Fourth of July parade is a chance to return home to Gowrie to spend time with family and pay tribute to the independence of America.
Hemesath grew up in a house on the corner of Market and Cottonwood streets in Gowrie.
Her family gathers there every year to celebrate Independence Day.
One tradition in particular holds a special meaning, according to Hemesath.
Hundreds of American flags representing Gowrie military veterans are displayed during the parade.
“A flag represents every military veteran from Gowrie who died,” she said.
Hemesath’s great-grandfather, Elmer R. Johnson, was one of those veterans whose spirit was represented by Old Glory.
Elmer Johnson served in the U.S. Army during World War I.
“They were all members of the American Legion,” Hemesath’s mother, Pauline Johnson, added.
Pauline Johnson and her husband, Richard Johnson, have lived in Gowrie their entire lives.
“I was a Johnson and I married a Johnson,” Pauline Johnson said.
According to Richard Johnson, there were about 280 flags.
Pauline Johnson said volunteers go to great lengths to honor those who served.
“After they are done here, all of those flags must be folded and put back into place,” she said.
Hemesath said she appreciates the tradition.
“It’s my favorite part of the parade,” she said. “It’s patriotic. It brings tears to my eyes.”
Ray Norine, of Gowrie, was sitting near the Johnson’s home in the shade.
“I got a good spot here,” he said. “I’ll still be in the shade in a couple hours.”
He said Gowrie has always been his home.
“I was born the day after the parade and I think I’ve been to every one since,” he said. “We spend all of our Fourth of Julys here.”
People weren’t the only ones ready for the festivities.
Across the street, Dave Elliot’s pet German shepherd, Sasha, was poking her head through the screen of the front door window to check out the scenes.
“Her buddy is the pitbull,” he said. “I’d bring ’em out, but there’s too many people.”
As far as the damage to the screen, Elliot wasn’t worried.
“I’ve replaced the screen almost 30 times, so I am done replacing it,” Elliot said.
Debbie Letcher, of Illinois, was further down the road with her family.
She traveled four hours to get to Gowrie.
“We do it every year,” she said. “We just love the little town feel and they have so much going on for everyone. We have been coming for 30 years. Everyone has a patriotic spirit. It makes it really fun.”