JULY 4 IN PRESCOTT: BALANCE OF GRIEF, PATRIOTISM

AP ^ | July 3, 2013 | Hannah Dreier

[CedarDave]

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) — The notoriously rambunctious annual rodeo contest in Prescott added a solemn new ritual this week: a cowboy leading a riderless horse around the outdoor arena, a fire helmet sitting on its saddle, fire boots resting in the stirrups.

Spectators in this Old West town of 40,000 placed straw hats over hearts and cried quietly during the tribute to the 19 firefighters who were killed Sunday, then went on to drink, laugh and cheer as heartily as the miners and ranchers who patronized the arena in the 1800s.

Emotional whiplash has become a matter of course here as residents try to move on and enjoy the biggest tourism week of the year, while also mourning the men who were the town's pride.

[CedarDave]

Residents are deeply affected by the loss of 20 percent of their fire department. They are trying to cope and this is one way to do so while not diminishing what the fallen meant to the community.

The attached link provides an update on how the community is trying to balance the two.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3038892/posts

[CedarDave]

The article brings out how much small-town America retains the principles upon which the country was founded: Bursting with Americana, Prescott is a deeply patriotic, religious town where even teenage boys sing “Amazing Grace” in their full voices.

[Brad’s Gramma]

You BETCHA! Proud to be a (new-ish) resident!!

[ccmay]

Prescott and Yavapai County are among the most conservative places in the entire state of Arizona, which is saying something. It also has a delightful 4 season climate, low crime rate, beautiful mountain scenery, a tolerably good economy, and a very strong sense of community of the sort that has been mostly lost in much of the country. Freepers looking for a place to retire could hardly do better.

[CedarDave]

“Emotional procession of vehicles from fallen crew”
http://www.azcentral.com/video/2525358778001