Boats parade to celebrate America

MONTICELLO, Ind. - While many 4th of July parades rolled down main street one took to the water

Around 50 boats carrying everyone from Uncle Sam to Pirates of the Carribbean's Captain Jack Sparrow hit the water of Lake Freeman to kick of their 4th of July celebration at the 5th annual Patriotic Boat Parade.

"Basically celebrating everything American and all the things that are great about the US and everyone who has fought for our freedom," said boater Roy Molter.

94 Korean War Veterans served as grand marshals for the parade aboard the Madam Carroll. Participants in the parade say the day belongs to those who served and are currently serving.

"It's important that we all celebrate what they did for us and that's what we're here to do," said boater Jim Peters.

"We're definitely very proud of them. We're proud of our troops overseas that can't be with us to celebrate so we just want to honor them in any way that we can," said boater Carli Blum.

"For them to be remembered. I think it's very important for us to show our support for them," said boater Lynn Clark.

Ron Seymour served in Vietnam. He says to him the day holds extra significance.

"Being a veteran it means quite a bit for me because we are now able to celebrate our freedoms and hopefully it will be such that we can continue to enjoy them in the future," said Seymour.

Each boat was elaborately decorated. Many covered in red, white, and blue...all hoping to catch the judges eye for the most decorated boat.

"The actual decorations went on pretty quickly because we had a great team," said Blum.

"We did all this the night before so all we had to do is set it in this morning so it's been an all night trip," said Peters.

Defending champion Jim Peters says to wow the judges you need one thing.

"Bling...you gotta have bling," said Peters.

For many of the boaters the parade was the just of their independence day festivities.

"Just have a cookout and take it easy. Hope the rain goes away. Spend time with family and friends," said Clark.

"We'll just be hanging out with some friends and probably firing off some fireworks later avoiding blowing our own hands off," said Molter.