4th parade struts to a patriotic beat

Former President Jimmy Carter, parade's grand marshal, greeted by loud cheers and applause
Former President Jimmy Carter was greeted by cheers and applause along the parade route in downtown Atlanta, July 4, 1981. (AJC Photographic Archive, Georgia State University Library)

Former President Jimmy Carter was greeted by cheers and applause along the parade route in downtown Atlanta, July 4, 1981. (AJC Photographic Archive, Georgia State University Library)

Good old-fashioned patriotism was alive and well in Atlanta Saturday afternoon as a huge crowd of city residents turned out for the annual Fourth of July parade.

The flag-waving, float-cheering crowd made its preferences rapidly known. Loud cheers and applause greeted the parade grand marshal, former President Jimmy Carter. Military salutes and shouts of appreciation greeted former Iranian hostage Col. Charles Scott of Stone Mountain.

Former Veterans Administration head Max Cleland got the thumbs up. "Give 'em hell, Max," one man yelled.

Former President Jimmy Carter, grand marshal of the Salute 2 America parade, rode in an open car with First Lady Rosalynn Carter and daughter Amy on July 4, 1981.  (AJC Photographic Archive, Georgia State University Library)

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The stars were the stars of the parade. Both Ron Glass of the television series "Barney Miller" and Robert Guillaume of the "Benson" series, were swamped by autograph hunters whenever their cars slowed.

Local politicians turned out in full force. All of Atlanta's mayoral candidates walked, jogged or ran the entire parade route.

DeKalb County Commission Chairman Manuel Maloof waved to the throngs of spectators from the back seat of an open car. "It's a helluva crowded," Maloof said. "It feels good to be here."

First Lady Rosalynn Carter and daughter Amy at the Atlanta parade on July 4, 1981.  (AJC Photographic Archive, Georgia State University Library)

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There were other parades and celebrations in the Atlanta area Saturday.

The Blue Angels, the Navy's precision flying team, performed their high-speed maneuvers in jets over the Marietta Naval Air Station and will repeat the spectacle Sunday. A giant fireworks display was planned at Lenox Square and Stone Mountain Saturday night.

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