This was the second year that residents around Blue Hills School held an Independence Day celebration. Jack Mallory, who organized the observance both years, put the event together because Saratoga did not have an Independence Day celebration. "I had a vision for these celebrations. I just found the volunteers to fulfill them," said Mallory.

Some volunteers brought in flags, some gave away patriotic T-shirts, others distributed ice cream and popsicles to the children.

The flag was presented by Boy Scout Troop 556 and Girl Scout Troop 1030. The singing of patriotic songs was led by Laurel and Don Stoner of the Saratoga Federated Church.

"I am pleased that the Independence Day celebration in Saratoga has been revived," said Mac McMillian, a veteran who was stationed in Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941. McMillan, who later served in India and Sri Lanka, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn, a Saratoga resident who represents the 24th Assembly District, also attended the observance. "I grew up in a small town where Independence Day celebrations were a big event," she said. "Sometimes we take our freedom for granted. I think we are getting back a sense of community in the country after 9/11."

Frank Keffer, a staff sergeant who has just served 14 months in Iraq as a military policeman, was invited to attend the celebration. The San Jose native is going back to Iraq later this year. "It's great to be back home. I've been away for a lot of July 4th celebrations," said Keffer.

The observance ended with a parade of decorated bicycles, pets and individual marchers around the park. Mayor Ann Waltonsmith and her husband, Rick Waltonsmith, joined the parade in a donkey cart.

Long after many in the crowd had dispersed, Rick was giving rides to children. "I want to thank the neighborhood for putting this together," said Mayor Waltonsmith.