Once upon a time, there was a soldier named Sam who loved the Fourth of July. He loved the fireworks, decorations, and the parade. One year, the mayor asked him to help decorate the town for the big celebration. Sam was so excited and couldn’t wait to show off his creative ideas.
He gathered all the materials he could find: red, white, and blue streamers, balloons, and even a flag. But as he was putting up the decorations, he realized he had forgotten to get any fireworks.
Determined to still have a great celebration, Sam came up with a plan. He put on a parade, marching through the streets playing his drum and singing patriotic songs. The townspeople were so impressed with his parade that they forgot all about the lack of fireworks.
From that day on, every Fourth of July, the town held a parade in honor of Sam and his creative spirit. And the mayor even awarded him with a special decoration for being the best soldier and parade leader in town!

Reflections

1. How does Sam feel about the Fourth of July?
2. What does Sam forget to get for the celebration?
3. How does Sam make up for not having fireworks?
4. What does the mayor do to honor Sam?
5. Why is the parade important to the town?