Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

On Saturday, dozens of kids of all ages paraded through the streets of Downtown LaGrange in celebration of Independence Day.

The Junior Service League of LaGrange hosted the 40th annual Sweet Land of Liberty Parade on Saturday. The theme for the annual kid’s parade was “Red, White, and Boots.” 

The parade was founded 40 years ago by the late Annette and Jim Boyd, who wanted to instill patriotism in our youth

Anthony Talley, creator of the $1 Thursday Program, served as this year’s Grand Marshal.

Talley created a program where he collects just $1 from people in the community to donate to those in need. Since starting the program he’s shown that even the smallest act of kindness can add up.

Talley has raised thousands of dollars for those in need over the years. Those dollars have gone to a good cause, from helping a man who lost his home in a fire to simply buying ice cream for kids, they have made a difference.

At the start of the parade, LaGrange Mayor Jim Arrington read a proclamation for Talley, officially naming him grand marshal and recognizing his efforts to improve the community. 

“Anthony Talley has exemplified dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence. Just one of those examples was that Anthony saw a need in our community and initiated $1 Thursday to provide assistance to those in need in our community,” Arrington said in the proclamation. “ The Fourth of July serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our forefathers, and the ongoing dedication of our citizens, such as Anthony to uphold the ideals of freedom.”

Talley was also presented with a United States flag that was flown over the capitol of the State of Georgia in his honor.