As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, 2026, Americans will also recognize a historic milestone: the 250th anniversary of the United States.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, setting in motion the creation of a new nation built on the ideals of liberty, self-government and opportunity. Two and a half centuries later, the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations who have shaped the country through service, sacrifice, innovation, perseverance and community.

The nation’s 250th birthday will be marked by fireworks, parades, family gatherings, patriotic programs and local celebrations. Beyond the traditions, the occasion serves as a reminder that America’s story continues to be written in neighborhoods, schools, businesses, churches, farms, military bases and communities across the country.

For many families, Independence Day is a time to gather around picnic tables, watch fireworks light up the summer sky and share stories across generations. It is also a time to honor those who have served to protect the freedoms celebrated each July Fourth.

As the United States enters its next chapter, the 250th anniversary stands as a moment to remember where the nation began, recognize the people who have carried its promise forward and look ahead with hope for the generations still to come.

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Jessie Loyce Plumb
February 27, 1934 – July 1, 2026
Service: Monday, July 6, 2026, 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Levy E “Joe” Berry III
February 10, 1941 – June 29, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 2pm at Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Roynetis Washington Lee Ortiz
January 15, 1946 – June 29, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 2pm at Sunrise Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Kathleen Eugenia Potter
November 7, 1935 — June 29, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 1pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Alice May Whitton
November 3, 1944 – June 29, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Evelyn Pierre Green
Dec 21, 1947 — Jun 28, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Joan Sieve
June 16, 1935 – June 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Nicholas J. Rinaudo Jr.
January 26, 1948 — June 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 6pm at 9845 Pleasant Hills Drive, Shreveport.

Gerald Rhea Brooks
April 2, 1936 — June 26, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Honorable Frank H. Thaxton, III
December 27, 1952 — June 26, 2026
Service: Friday, July 10, 2026, 10am at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

Charles William Wolfe
April 18, 1938 – June 26, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Michael Keith Flowers
September 13, 1952 — June 24, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Natalia N. Hamilton
Oct 13, 1977 — Jun 24, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at Union Mission Baptist Church No.1, Shreveport.

Berenice Faye Capers
September 19, 1946 – June 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Dewalia Shonnelle Hill
Dec 3, 1974 — Jun 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at New Hope Baptist Church, Vivian.

Linda Thomas Miller
December 6, 1972 – June 21, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 11am at Bright Star Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Phillip Ray Semon
May 27, 1942 – June 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at Kings Highway Christian Church, Shreveport.

Gabrielle Johnson-Aziz
September 28, 1987 – June 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Diana Kay Yarbrough
September 26, 1949 — June 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Janice LaRue Horton
June 15, 1942 – June 12, 2026
Service: Friday, August 28, 2026, 5pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Dorothy Edwina Kohout
December 17, 1947 – June 12, 2026
Service: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 11am at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Glen Ross Salvaggio
October 17, 1948 – June 12, 2026
Service: Monday, July 6, 2026, 10:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

William Gene Fann
January 15, 1943 — June 5, 2026
Service: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 2pm at The American Legion Post 14, Shreveport.

Rita Roberta Poling
? – May 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10am at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Bossier City. 

Marian Ruth Taggart
November 24, 1933 – January 10, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 3pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.

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Caddo Parish Public Schools has announced several new district leadership appointments as part of its ongoing introduction of new leaders across the system.

Dr. Crystal Barnes has been named Director of School Performance, where she will oversee high schools across the district. Barnes brings extensive experience in instructional leadership and school improvement, most recently serving as an award-winning principal at Booker T. Washington High School. District officials noted her record of leading schools, supporting educators and driving student success, and said she will work alongside high school leaders to strengthen outcomes across Caddo Parish Public Schools.

JD Stewart has been named Director of Insurance. According to the district, Stewart brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to service. In his new role, he will support district employees, retirees and their dependents, helping ensure continued support for the Caddo Parish system.

Dr. Norcha Lacy has also been named Director of Federal Programs – Title I. The district said Lacy brings a background as an educator and principal, as well as recent experience supervising the McKinney-Vento Program, where she supported homeless students and their families. Officials noted her experience, service-oriented leadership and understanding of federal programs that support schools, students and families.

In her new role, Lacy will help ensure federal resources are aligned to student needs and district priorities.

Caddo Parish Public Schools encouraged the community to join in congratulating all three leaders on their new roles.

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The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is highlighting ongoing efforts to keep roadways and communities clean through its Work Crew Program.

Sheriff Julian Whittington said he believes a clean parish is something every citizen can take pride in and remains committed to supporting programs that help maintain the appearance of Bossier Parish.

According to the sheriff’s office, the Work Crew Program has covered 1,508 miles of roadway so far this year, maintained 388 parish roads, and collected 10,390 bags of litter from roadways across the parish.

Officials said the efforts represent an investment in the appearance, safety and overall quality of life for residents throughout Bossier Parish.

Whittington said Bossier Parish is a special place and emphasized the importance of community pride in maintaining clean and welcoming roads and neighborhoods. He added that the appearance of local roadways reflects the pride residents have in where they live.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve local communities and encourage residents to take pride in their surroundings.

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Journal staff taking a break for America’s 250^th celebration

There’s a birthday party for all of us this weekend.

The United States of America turns 250 years old Saturday on Independence Day. The staff at the Shreveport-Bossier Journal is getting a well-deserved break to celebrate the holiday beginning early, and as a result there will not be a Friday edition this week only.

We’ll be back early Monday morning online, publishing our free-to-everybody news, information and sports coverage that you count on.

Enjoy your holiday weekend events and celebrate the home of the brave, and the land of the free.

God bless America!

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The 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held on Saturday July 18, in the air–conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 S. Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 a.m. with live entertainment scheduled for 9:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The family-oriented festival is fully wheelchair accessible. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are $10 at the door for all events or $6 for an evening pass to all events after 5 p.m. 

In honor of the 2026 Festival theme, “America the Beautiful,” the Festival will feature the traditional music of the nation – blues, gospel, Cajun, Celtic, country, bluegrass and zydeco on three stages of music as well as in the Magale Recital Hall. Music and dance headliners include Cajun bands Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Poisson Rouge, zydeco band Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, blues artists the Wayne “Blue” Burns Band and the Snake Doctors, western swing and classic country artists Gal Holiday and the Honky Revue, the Rising Dragon Lion Dance Team, bluegrass group Catahoula Drive, gospel groups the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples and the Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble and dance performances by Native Nations Intertribal, the Rising Dragon Lion Dance Team, the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Fijian traditional dance by the Rokobou Family. In addition will be a special appearance by Kovanda’s Czech Band which will accompany the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers. The festival also includes numerous food vendors offering traditional Louisiana cuisine. Outdoor activities feature demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking and a child-friendly hands-on demonstration of a 19th century wash day. 

More than 80 crafts vendors have been invited to display and discuss their traditional work with festival patrons. Craftspeople are expected to display beadwork, baskets, cowhide chair covers, alligator jewelry, Pysanky eggs, Native American crafts and pottery. Other expected craftspeople will display needlework, wood carvings, handmade toys and dolls, paintings, sculpture, homemade soap, spinning and weaving, handcrafted knives, handmade brooms, walking sticks, folk art quilts and more. 

The Festival will include a Gumbo Cook-Off, in which professionals and hobbyists alike can compete in one of the multiple categories and demonstrate their cooking skills in any of three categories, Seafood, Poultry Plus and People’s Choice. All gumbo must be cooked on-site, with no commercial or pre-made roux allowed. Poultry, meat, seafood, rice and broth or stock may be prepared in advance or on-site and canned broth is allowed. Registration and the Cooks’ Meeting will take place at 8:00 a.m. Tasting and judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. with winners announced at 3:15 p.m. There is no fee to compete in the Cook-Off. 

The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall. There will be a non-championship class and a championship class. A twin fiddle category will also be held. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage at Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m. 

The festival includes several opportunities for patrons to engage directly with Louisiana folk culture. Free dance lessons include clogging or flatfoot dancing with Clancey Stewart, Celtic dance taught by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Cajun and zydeco dancing taught by the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe. Interactive activities include dancing with the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers and Native Nations Intertribal. 

“The festival bridges the distance between artists and the festival patrons, thus breaking the artificial barriers between artists and audience,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. “Rather than watching from the sidelines, everyone who takes part in these activities will share and engage in Louisiana’s rich culture.” 

KidFest will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidfest is an area dedicated to child-friendly activities and is a fun way for children to examine their own cultural and family traditions as well as those from around the state. 

Narrative sessions will be held in the festival N-Club Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature presentations on the making of the first sinker cypress fiddle, traditional carding, spinning and weaving, Fijian traditional culture, Louisiana foodways and heritage language revitalization. In addition will be music informances on Cajun music with bands Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Poisson Rouge. ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices and audio description for these cultural discussions will be made available upon prior request by July 10.  

This year also features several pre-Festival events which are free and open to the general public. A Visit with the Bagpipe will be held at 2 p.m. on July 11 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. Attendees at this free workshop will learn the basics of traditional Celtic bagpipe and drumming, as well as Highland dance. The workshop will also feature a Celtic music and dance performance by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers. A second free pre-festival event will be a music and dance performance by Native Nations Intertribal at 6 p.m. on July 17 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Members of Native Nations Intertribal will also engage in a discussion of their traditions with anthropologist Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory, an expert on Southeastern Native American tribes and culture. 

For a full schedule of events, online registration forms to participate in the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship and the Gumbo Cook-Off or to make a donation contact the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu or go to nsula.edu/folklife/. 

Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program will not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.  

The festival is sponsored by Alliance Compressors, Atmos Energy, C&H Precision Machining, City Bank, Cleco, Evans Family, LLC, the Harrington Law Firm, Natchitoches Wood Preserving Company, Ronnie’s Auto Glass and Collision Center and Young Estate, LLC. 

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A walk down the Hall of special memories

It was midnight as I began my walk down 2^nd Street in Natchitoches Saturday night. The excitement of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which happened across the street, was long gone as I walked with an old friend back to his hotel.

From there, I had a walk of three blocks and a left turn to get where I was staying. In no way was I expecting the scene that was unfolding before me.

Nothing.

Absolute, total nothingness.

No one has ever confused the Natchitoches Historic District with the French Quarter but I was struck by how blank the canvas was before me.

Not a car. Not a person. Not a cricket. Not a sound. Not even a breeze.

Everything was completely — and magnificently – still. It was as if this had all been created just so I could have the opportunity to reflect on what I had just been involved in.

Being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is amazing, but I discovered a whole lot more than I expected. There were nine other inductees present and eight of them I had never met before. I was anxious to get some more quality time with Mike McConathy, who everyone in Northwest Louisiana knows, but also to interact with each of those I had only heard about.

The midnight walk gave me the chance to look back at what I got to experience and most of it had nothing to do with being given a plaque in front of a crowd of more than 800.

** I thought about getting the chance to get to know LSU legend Warren Morris and far more of our conversations had nothing to do with him hitting the greatest home run in the history of college baseball. It was truly as if I had known him all of my adult life.

** I thought about how fascinating it was to hear the conversation between Todd McClure (14 years in the NFL) and Jonathan Lucroy (12 years in MLB) as they compared notes about what life is like at the highest level of their sport.

** I thought about the how I talked sports with Dewain Strother, the Florien girls basketball coach who has won more game at that level than anybody else in the state (and he’s No. 2 in the country). But the sport we talked about wasn’t basketball. We talked golf and we compared notes on courses we have played and/or want to play.

** I thought about watching as Pat Williams, a giant of a man (6-3, 317) who played defensive tackle for Minnesota and Buffalo, showed a tender and lovable side all weekend long, especially with his 2-year-old granddaughter.

** I thought about being in a van with the rest of the inductees as John Brady, coach of the 2006 LSU Final Four team, was asked by other professional athletes about the most important quality of a coach. The answer, Brady said, was having the respect of the players. “If they don’t think you are being honest, they’ll turn on you in a second,” he said.

** I thought about comparing journalism notes with Gil LeBreton, a noted Dallas-Fort Worth sportswriter, who leads me in covering Super Bowls (26-0), Olympics (16-0) and World Series (13-0).

** I thought about being around trail-blazing coach/administrator Kathy Holloway, who I knew the least about before the weekend started. After being on the same bowling team for a couple of hours, that instantly changed.

I love behind-the-scenes tidbits, and my favorite came from Lucroy about an incident when he was a rookie catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips hit a home run and from behind home plate, Lucroy hung his head as soon as the ball was hit. Not a big deal, or so Lucroy thought, until the game was over. Teammate Trevor Hoffman, who was in the final year of his Hall of Fame career, found Lucroy in the Milwaukee dugout and told him “don’t ever do that again.”

Probably no one else noticed Lucroy’s subtle action on the home run, but the TV camera caught it. Hoffman let Lucroy know that, even though he didn’t realize it, the rookie was showing up his pitcher.

“I never did that again,” Lucroy said.

There were other stories gathered and thought about on that short walk Saturday night. Mostly, though, it was about how fortunate I was. There was no Manning or O’Neal or Saban, but I got a chance to be in an induction class full of accomplished athletes and coaches who were, more importantly, Hall of Fame human beings.

That thought has been with me ever since, long after the Saturday night walk ended.

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

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Magnet’s Baltov connects with girls soccer state Gatorade Player of the Year honor

By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

The selection of Magnet’s Isabella Baltov as the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year in girls soccer was not a complete surprise. She has been an elite player her whole high school career. Baltov won the 2026 Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s overall MVP for the 2025-26 season.

But the Gatorade award is a really big deal. It’s also a rarity for any player north of I-10 to win it. She is the first girl in north or central Louisiana to claim the honor, and it comes almost 20 years after the only boy from this part of the state captured it.

That boy: her coach, Nick Flowers.

Baltov’s high school and club coach said after hearing the news, “I can’t think of a more deserving player. She’s had such a massive impact at Magnet and has earned every accolade she’s received.”

Flowers won the award in 2008 and remembers his reaction.

“I was surprised, I never had anywhere near the stats that Izzy does,” he said. “We had such a strong team, that year that it felt like a team award.” The Magnet boys won the state title in 2008.

The connections continue. To complete the circle, Magnet’s coach back in 2008 was Radi Baltov, Isabella’s father.

Baltov took time out of an overseas vacation to describe how she found out she was the winner.

“I woke up early for work and checked my phone and noticed a Instagram notification that said ‘Gatorade wants to send you a message’.”

She ignored it. Then when looking at her Instagram she noticed an ODP regional teammate had been awarded the award for her state. She started looking at each state’s announcement and….

“When I got to Louisiana, I saw my name. I went back to my DM’s and realized Gatorade had tagged me in their post.”

The first thing she did was run downstairs and tell her dad.

“Getting to share it with my dad is something I’ll always remember,” she said.

I am sure he’ll never forget it either.

A couple days later, she’s still aglow with shock and pride.

“Receiving an award of this caliber is incredibly special, and it means even more knowing that my coach, Nick Flowers, is the only male player from the Shreveport area to have earned the same recognition.”

Baltov went on to give credit to Flowers, having played for him in the last seven years in club soccer with Shreveport United 08 girls and her entire four years of her high school career at Magnet. She also played with a HTX 08 GA team, a team in the highest level of national club teams.

Baltov’s father, Radi, also on vacation overseas, skirted around me asking to compare Isabella and Flowers winning the award — very diplomatic of him.

As for his daughter’s latest award, he was extremely happy and excited.

“Knowing how many good players are in Louisiana, winning this award feels very special,” he said.

Recalling Flowers’ win 18 years ago, Baltov said, “Nick was my team captain, the team captain on the 2008 state title winning team.”

Flowers made his coach proud then, and paid him back by guiding Baltov’s daughter to the same top award.

Baltov finished with 54 goals and 17 assists over 17 games in her senior year. She ended her career with a school and parish record 174 goals and added 75 assists.

Baltov will be staying in-state for her collegiate career, heading to Lake Charles to attend D-I McNeese State, giving the local fans easy opportunities to see her play either in Lake Charles, or when the Cowgirls visit Northwestern State, Louisiana Tech, Grambling and UL-Monroe.

In the continuing story of local girls high school soccer, memories stand out of Byrd and Loyola having won state titles and mounting other runs to the finals. Stirring postseason charges have been made by other schools like Magnet, Shreve, Parkway and Calvary.

But not once did the Gatorade Louisiana High School Player of the year come from the Shreveport-Bossier area. And there were many that had arguments to make.

That can never be said again.

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

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I-Bowl’s 50^th anniversary celebration begins to recognize game’s best players

JOURNAL SPORTS

With such a rich history over 50 years, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is about to begin to celebrate the stars who have come through Independence Stadium throughout the first 49 years of the game and helped fans create the memories they still talk about.

The bowl will begin to reveal the top 50 players in the game’s history on Monday, counting down from 50 until unveiling the top player in the history of college football’s 11th-oldest bowl game.

The list of the top 50 all-time players was compiled by a committee that included local media members and Independence Bowl representatives. Players were nominated and evaluated based on the following criteria:

• 40 percent weight based on their Independence Bowl performance(s)

• 30 percent based on their college career and accolades

• 30 percent based on their pro career and accomplishments

The top 50 players will be released in groups of five every Monday and Thursday through July 23. Afterward the top 20 will be revealed one-by-one every Monday (except for Labor Day) until the player chosen as the bowl’s best all-time figure is announced Dec. 7.

The committee that nominated players for the All-Time Team and ranked them 1-50 consisted of local media members and two Independence Bowl representatives. The full panel:

• Alex Anderson – KTBS 3

• Chris Burns – KTAL News

• Chris Demirdjian – KSLA News 12

• Erik Evenson – Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

• Tim Fletcher – The Tim Fletcher Show

• Pesky Hill – Independence Bowl Foundation

• Doug Ireland – Shreveport Bossier Journal

• Roy Lang III – The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate

• Jimmy Watson – Shreveport Times

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Foes up front in college, NFL, new Hall of Fame inductees meet once again

By JASON PUGH, Written for the LSWA

NATCHITOCHES — They collided, literally, in their college and pro football careers, lining up across from each other on the front lines.

Last weekend’s reunion for Todd McClure and Pat Williams could not have been more pleasant. They were the big fellas in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s 2026 induction class that made its final step into the Hall at the Induction Ceremony last Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center.

McClure, a center throughout his long NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, had banged up against Williams, a nose tackle for Buffalo and Minnesota, numerous times in their playing days. They first met in a couple of college games when LSU and McClure took on Williams and Texas A&M.

They had an easy camaraderie and obvious mutual respect apparent from last Thursday when they met at the Hall of Fame museum before the introductory press conference.

“Ohh, yes, we do know each other,” said McClure. “Nobody wanted to see Pat Williams on the other side of the ball.”

They took different paths to the NFL. Williams, at Wossman High in Monroe, needed to go to junior college after not taking academics too seriously. He was an All-American there and a standout for the Aggies in two seasons, but was not chosen in the NFL Draft. He made it in Buffalo behind Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Smith as a free agent, launching a 13-year NFL career.

McClure was an All-America center as a senior at LSU, but was picked in the last round of the draft by Atlanta. Nobody could deny him in a distinguished 14-season stay with the Falcons.

A three-sport star at Central High School, McClure went to nearby LSU with designs on playing both football and baseball, where he would have teamed with his brother, Trey, an All-American on the diamond.

Instead, it took former Tiger coach Gerry DiNardo all of three games to nix any idea of Todd McClure joining his brother at venerable Alex Box Stadium.

“I had played mostly tight end and defensive end in high school,” McClure said. “I didn’t know how quickly I could pick it up. My sports background allowed me to pick it up so quickly. It helped to have Alan Faneca, an NFL Hall of Famer, teaching me the ropes. Coach DiNardo told me I had a chance to make the NFL. For a freshman, for him to put those thoughts in my mind, meant a lot.”

After a standout career anchoring the Tiger offensive line and twice earning All-SEC honors, McClure was a seventh-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons.

There, the man fellow Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Kevin Faulk referred to as the second smartest player on that Tiger team and a true leader, McClure overcame a season-ending knee injury as a rookie to become even more than a foundation player for the Falcons.

“Todd was our rock of Gibraltar,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. “He’s one of the greats in the history of the Atlanta Falcons franchise. He’s an exceptional human being and leader in the NFL.”

A member of the Falcons’ Ring of Honor, McClure spent all 14 of his NFL seasons with the Falcons, a rarity in the current professional sports landscape.

“He dedicated himself not only to the team, but to his family,” said his father, Leo McClure. “He was able to keep them in one city. Sorry, Saints fans, once he was a Falcon, he was always a Falcon.”

McClure cited the meaning behind the Ring of Honor as the culmination of what he hoped for as a player.

“It wasn’t about awards or accolades,” he said. “You want to earn the respect of your teammates and coaches and the people you played against. For your owner to come out and show you that type of respect is why I played the game and why I loved the game.”

McClure and many offensive linemen during his career had plenty of respect for Monroe native Pat Williams.

Williams’ path from a standout career at Wossman High School to the NFL took him through the junior college route, beginning his college career at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas.

After playing at Texas A&M and going undrafted, Williams grinded his way into the league and established a lengthy, often-dominant career at nose tackle, earning three Pro Bowl berths and a remarkable 37 game balls.

“I can’t say I was doubted,” Williams said. “I was doubting myself. I wasn’t doing school work like I should have been doing school work (in high school).”

Williams signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and enjoyed a standout eight-season run with the Bills, “tolerating” the blustery Buffalo winters.

In his lone foray into free agency, Williams signed with the Minnesota Vikings after the 2004 season. There he teamed with Kevin Williams (no relation) to form the dominant “Williams Wall” within the Vikings’ defensive line.

“He showed up and did some great things,” said Vikings defensive line coach Karl Dunbar. “Our first three years with Pat, we set an NFL record for holding teams under 63 yards on the ground. I saw the ability in Pat that he could really move around. He did that in college and in Buffalo. That’s how he earned the right to get to Minnesota.”

Those years with the Vikes capped a fabulous NFL run and earned him a weekend in Natchitoches, to claim the ultimate accolade in his career.

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

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A funeral service to celebrate the life of Gerald Rhea Brooks will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Officiating the service will be Rev. Garrett Boyte and Rev. Mary Richard.

Gerald Rhea Brooks, age 90, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, with his beloved family by his side.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Gerald graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. A proud Longhorn, he was also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships. As a young man, he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and proudly served for eight years in the United States Naval Reserve.

Gerald had a lifelong passion for aviation. While attending college, he earned his pilot’s license in 1955. He later became an instrument-rated, multi-engine pilot and found great joy in flying throughout his life.

Gerald began his career in the oil industry, working in South Louisiana and Arkansas. In 1962, he moved to Bossier City, Louisiana, to establish the city’s first savings and loan institution, Bossier Federal Savings and Loan. He later became its President, and the institution was eventually renamed Heritage Federal Savings and Loan. In 1982, he returned to the oil business with Marlin Exploration, where he remained until his retirement in 2000.

A respected business and civic leader, Gerald devoted countless hours to serving his community. He served as President of the Bossier City Lions Club and President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a past member of Palmetto Country Club and Shreveport Country Club, a member of the Shreveport Club, and served on the Board of the University Club as well as the Cambridge Club.

His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. As a devoted member of the Church of the Holy Cross in Shreveport, he served on the Vestry and held the positions of both Junior Warden and Senior Warden.

While Gerald enjoyed a successful career and a lifetime of community service, his greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. He loved entertaining those he loved with his piano and his bagpipes, filling gatherings with music, laughter, and lasting memories. He never met a stranger, loved bringing people together, and found his greatest happiness in sharing music, laughter, and friendship with those around him.

An avid golfer, Gerald enjoyed countless golf trips with friends throughout the years. One of his favorite memories was a surprise 60th birthday trip to Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, and Spanish Bay. A devoted University of Texas football fan, he proudly attended the Texas–Oklahoma game at the State Fair of Texas for 46 consecutive years, a tradition he cherished.

Gerald is survived by his beloved wife, Tommie Sue McCranie Brooks; his daughter, Stephanie Kenigsberg of Port Aransas, Texas; his son, Cary Hart Brooks of Rosharon, Texas; seven beloved grandchildren; eight cherished great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carrie Bell Brooks and William Raymond Brooks.

Gerald will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, unwavering faith, adventurous spirit, and deep devotion to his family and friends. Whether at the piano, with his beloved bagpipes, in the cockpit of an airplane, on the golf course, or cheering on the Longhorns, he embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. His legacy of love, service, and friendship will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Sherber Hardiman and Quincy Myles for their loving care and compassion. Their devotion brought comfort to Gerald and our family, and they truly became part of our family.

Honoring Gerald as pallbearers will be Dr. Michael Banda, Cary Rhea Brooks, Cary Brooks, Mike Giles, Coulter Neckar, Steve Moran, Aaron Kenigsberg, and Grant Bergman. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ray Coghlan, Michael Patin, Chris Stansell, Wayne Simmons, Herschel Richard, Hinton Lampley, Burgess McCranie, David Harmon, and Dr. Robert Robinson.

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A memorial service to celebrate the life of the Honorable Frank H. Thaxton, III will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Broadmoor United Methodist Church. Frank passed from this life on June 26, 2026, peacefully at his home overlooking Cross Lake, surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by his spouse, Eric Hess, and his children Thomas Thaxton, Kate Thaxton Gray (Richie), Luke Thaxton (Amanda), and Frank Thaxton, IV (Jordan), as well as grandchildren Erin Gray (Andrés), Connor Gray, Bella Gray, Kathryn Thaxton, Cade Thaxton, Alex Thaxton, Frank Thaxton, V, Allie Gray, Tegan Thaxton, and Cannon Thaxton and great-granddaughter Kehlani Webb.

Frank was born in Shreveport on December 27, 1952, the only child and faithful son of Frank H. Thaxton, Jr. and Johanna (Ann) Thaxton. He attended public schools in Shreveport and received his BBA in Business and Economics from Northeast Louisiana University in 1974, before going on to earn his law degree from L.S.U. in Baton Rouge in the illustrious class of 1977.

Frank returned to Shreveport to begin his distinguished legal career with the firm of Bodenheimer, Jones, Klotz & Simmons, becoming a partner in 1980 and serving until his election in 1990 as District Judge of the First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. During his 12 years on the bench, while serving as Deputy Chief Judge, he presided over many of the most impactful cases of the day. Under his leadership, the Court reformed local rules that had become impediments to civil jury trials and thereby opened the doors to the courthouse for far more litigants. Frank continued to serve the people of Louisiana for the remainder of his life, being frequently appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court as Judge Ad Hoc and Judge Pro Tem on the Louisiana Supreme Court itself, as well as the Circuit Courts of Appeals and multiple District and City Courts.

In addition to his judicial service, Frank served as President of the Louisiana District Judges Association, President of the Shreveport Bar Foundation (of which he was a founding member and major contributor), on the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Judicial College, and was appointed by the Supreme Court to the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics and the Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board. He served on judicial and community boards too numerous to list and received the Pro Bono Publico award from North Louisiana Legal Services for outstanding volunteer service. As recently as 2024, when the Supreme Court was concerned about overcrowding at the Caddo Correctional Center, the Court appointed Frank to conduct a feasibility study and make recommendations to the Court.

Upon leaving the bench in 2003, Frank became the mediator of choice in North Louisiana, helping the parties to resolve thousands of civil cases and chairing over 3,000 medical review panels, continuing up until this last month. He also, alongside Eric, founded Sanctuary Arts School, a non-profit reaching over 8,000 individuals annually with free arts programming. Through a family foundation, Sanctuary Arts School was able to purchase the historic Bnai Zion Temple and Frank worked tirelessly on saving and restoring the building for future generations to enjoy.

While his work was very important to him, it does not even begin to capture the focus of his life. Frank’s focus was always caring for and about all of the people in his life, family, friends, and strangers alike. He was never without a smile, a compliment, and a reassuring comment to all who crossed his path. He loved to laugh and was a wonderful storyteller, usually poking fun at himself. When asked what he considered his greatest accomplishment, his response was always “my children and grandchildren.”

Frank was, and his family remains, grateful for the many years of compassionate care provided by Dr. Chip McDonald and nurses Melanie, Crystal, and Mary, Dr. Mike Durci and nurse Karen, the entire team at Willis Knighton Cancer Center, and Dr. Charles Byrd. The family is also appreciative of the exceptional care and kindness Frank received from Dr. Chris Trosclair, the WK-North ICU and WK-North 3 North nursing teams, and St. Joseph Hospice during his last few months.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

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Arthur O’Quinn Walker Jr., 76, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026. Art was born on September 5, 1949, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Arthur O’Quinn Walker Sr. and Mildred Louise Adkins Walker. He grew up in Shreveport, where he attended Fair Park High School before continuing his education at Louisiana Tech University. He then studied at the University of Texas, where he earned his master’s degree in petroleum engineering.

While attending Louisiana Tech, Art met the love of his life, Donna Lee Spargo. They married and shared 56 years together, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Art faithfully served his country in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Commander. Following his military service, he had a successful career in the oil and gas industry. He started as a petroleum engineer with John D. Caruthers, and ultimately partnered with Witt Caruthers to purchase Caruthers Producing Co., where he stayed until his retirement.

More than any title or accomplishment, Art was defined by his faith, his devotion to his family, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He loved Jesus deeply and demonstrated that love through humble service, unwavering loyalty, and steadfast commitment to those around him. He was a man whose actions spoke louder than words. Disciplined, loyal, kind, generous, selfless, hard-working, patient, and humble, Art lived his convictions daily.

After coming to know Christ, one of Art’s most treasured habits was rising early each morning to study God’s Word. His faith was not merely something he professed—it shaped the way he lived, loved, and served others. For more than 30 years, he faithfully served as a >deacon at First Baptist Bossier, investing in his church and encouraging those around him. Art’s greatest joy was his family. Known affectionately as Pops to his children and grandchildren, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. Across their variety of interests, he was there—quietly present, faithfully supportive, and genuinely interested in the lives of those he loved. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family and watching his children and grandchildren thrive.

Art is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Lee Spargo Walker; his children, Todd Walker, Mark and his wife Hannah Walker, Lindsey and her husband Chad Hutchinson, Kelsey and her husband Jay Hills, and daughter-in-law Katie Walker; his grandchildren, Riley Walker, Jackson Walker, Presley Walker, Shea Walker, Chloe Walker, Isabella Walker, Justus Walker, Sky Walker, Isaac Hutchinson, Wyatt Hutchinson, London Hutchinson, Hyde Hills, and Remy Hills; and his siblings, Mickey Walker and Juana Walker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur O’Quinn Walker Sr. and Mildred Louise Adkins Walker, and his sister, Toni Sewell.

Art’s legacy is found not only in the family he loved so deeply, but also in the example he set through a life of faith, service, humility, and integrity. His steady presence, servant’s heart, and unwavering devotion to Christ will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association in Art’s memory.

Services will be held at Airline Baptist Church in Bossier City, LA, on Sunday July 19, 2026 at 2pm.

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Phonetic: /gre·​gar·​i·​ous/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

enjoying the company of other people

She is outgoing and gregarious.

a gregarious personality

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Levy E “Joe” Berry III
February 10, 1941 – June 29, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 2pm at Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Kathleen Eugenia Potter
November 7, 1935 — June 29, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 1pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Alice May Whitton
November 3, 1944 – June 29, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Marcell Bailey
March 24, 1955 – June 28, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 10am at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport.

Evelyn Pierre Green
Dec 21, 1947 — Jun 28, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Joan Sieve
June 16, 1935 – June 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Jesús Manuel Rodríguez León
May 31, 1966 – June 27, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 12pm at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Dixie Williams Neitte
January 30, 1933 — June 27, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 11:30am at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport.

Nicholas J. Rinaudo Jr.
January 26, 1948 — June 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 6pm at 9845 Pleasant Hills Drive, Shreveport.

Gerald Rhea Brooks
April 2, 1936 — June 26, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Honorable Frank H. Thaxton, III
December 27, 1952 — June 26, 2026
Service: Friday, July 10, 2026, 10am at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

Charles William Wolfe
April 18, 1938 – June 26, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Michael Keith Flowers
September 13, 1952 — June 24, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Natalia N. Hamilton
Oct 13, 1977 — Jun 24, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at Union Mission Baptist Church No.1, Shreveport.

James M. Pollard
May 3, 1954 — June 24, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 10am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.  

Dewalia Shonnelle Hill
Dec 3, 1974 — Jun 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at New Hope Baptist Church, Vivian.

Patricia Ann Lewis
May 6, 1953 – June 22, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 11am at New Bethel Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Linda Thomas Miller
December 6, 1972 – June 21, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 11am at Bright Star Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Phillip Ray Semon
May 27, 1942 – June 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at Kings Highway Christian Church, Shreveport.

Diana Kay Yarbrough
September 26, 1949 — June 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Equilla Louise Brown
October 1, 1931 — June 15, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Janice LaRue Horton
June 15, 1942 – June 12, 2026
Service: Friday, August 28, 2026, 5pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Dorothy Edwina Kohout
December 17, 1947 – June 12, 2026
Service: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 11am at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Glen Ross Salvaggio
October 17, 1948 – June 12, 2026
Service: Monday, July 6, 2026, 10:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Leo Jones
October 11, 1942 — June 10, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 2pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Gregory Q. Dawson
September 11, 1958 – June 7, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1pm at Benevolent Funeral Home, Shreveport.

William Gene Fann
January 15, 1943 — June 5, 2026
Service: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 2pm at The American Legion Post 14, Shreveport.

Rita Roberta Poling
? – May 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10am at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Bossier City. 

Marian Ruth Taggart
November 24, 1933 – January 10, 2026
Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 3pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.

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A Shreveport man convicted earlier this year of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited from doing so has been sentenced to 20 years in prison as a habitual offender.

District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. sentenced 26-year-old Germaine Marquise Jack on Monday, June 29, 2026. The sentence was imposed under third habitual offender status and will be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. Jack was convicted of the charge on March 19.

According to court records, the case stemmed from an incident on January 13, 2025, when Shreveport Police Officer Rodrick Carter was patrolling near Gilbert Drive and Kings Highway. The officer observed a man dressed in all-black clothing riding a bicycle without proper lighting equipment and initiated a stop to identify him.

Authorities said the man was unable to provide identification but gave his name, which allowed the officer to conduct a background check. While doing so, Officer Carter observed the outline of a firearm in the suspect’s front hoodie pocket.

A subsequent pat-down confirmed the presence of a Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol. Records also showed that the man, later identified as Jack, had prior convictions for three counts of simple burglary in 2019, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

Jack was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chase Burgess and Jason Waltman. He was represented by the Caddo Parish Indigent Defender’s Office.

The case was docketed as No. 406295.

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A Shreveport man convicted earlier this year of possessing a firearm while prohibited from doing so must serve 20 years in prison, a Caddo District judge ruled Monday, June 29, 2026.

District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. sentenced Germaine Marquise Jack, 26, as a third habitual offender. The prison term is to be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.  Jack was convicted of the crime March 19.

Early January 13, 2025, Shreveport Police Officer Rodrick Carter was patrolling near the intersection of Gilbert Drive and Kings Highway when he observed a man in all-black clothing travelling on a bicycle without proper lighting equipment. Officer Carter stopped the subject and attempted to identify him.

The man was unable to produce any form of ID but provided his name so the officer could run a background check. While checking for warrants, Officer Carter observed the outline of a firearm from the man’s front hoodie pocket. Officer Carter then patted the defendant down and confirmed there was a Sig Sauer P365 9MM pistol in the hoodie pocket. Officer Carter then confirmed that the man, who proved to be Mr. Jack, had been convicted of three counts of simple burglary in 2019, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm. 

Jack was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chase Burgess and Jason Waltman. He was represented by the Caddo Parish Indigent Defender’s office.

The case was docket No. 406295.

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Bossier Parish Emergency Medical Service recently honored Steve Braidwood upon his retirement after 29 years of dedicated service to the community.

For nearly three decades, Braidwood served the citizens of Bossier Parish with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment. Department officials noted that his dedication touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the agency.

Bossier Parish EMS expressed gratitude to Braidwood for his 29 years of service, friendship, and dedication, noting that he will be greatly missed by the department. Representatives extended well wishes for happiness, good health, and blessings as Braidwood begins his retirement.

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Hot summer temperatures will continue across Caddo and Bossier parishes through the Independence Day holiday, with only isolated afternoon thunderstorms expected before rain chances increase late in the weekend.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with highs reaching the mid-90s. Southwest winds around 5 mph will shift to the southeast during the afternoon. Skies will remain mostly clear Wednesday night with overnight lows in the mid-70s and light winds.

Thursday brings another mostly sunny day with highs in the lower 90s and light southeast winds around 5 mph. Mostly clear conditions will continue Thursday night as temperatures dip into the upper 70s.

Temperatures will climb back into the mid-90s on Friday under mostly sunny skies. A slight 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is expected, but most areas should remain dry. Friday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.

Independence Day will feature partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-90s. While the day is expected to remain largely dry, a slight 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms could briefly affect some outdoor celebrations. Saturday night will be mostly clear with lows in the upper 70s.

Rain chances increase on Sunday as partly cloudy skies give way to scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon. High temperatures will once again reach the mid-90s, with a 50 percent chance of rain. A slight chance of lingering showers and thunderstorms will continue Sunday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.

By Monday, clouds will increase throughout the day, bringing a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon. High temperatures will be slightly cooler, topping out in the lower 90s.

Residents planning outdoor activities for the holiday weekend should prepare for hot conditions each day and remain aware of the potential for isolated afternoon storms, especially Sunday and Monday. Staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade and monitoring local weather updates will help keep holiday celebrations safe.

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The Rotary Club of Shreveport has named Mary Wood the 2026 Rotarian of the Year, recognizing Wood for her ongoing service, leadership, and generosity within the local community.

Wood expressed gratitude for the recognition, sharing that giving back to Shreveport and Caddo Parish is an absolute joy. She also extended appreciation to the Rotary organization for the opportunity to serve, and to her partners in the Rotarians Rising initiative. Looking forward, Wood stated her commitment to making the upcoming year even bigger and better.

Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent Keith Burton issued congratulations to Wood, highlighting her dedication to the school system. According to Burton, Wood consistently supports the staff, shares the district’s story, and brings community partners together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students. Burton thanked Wood for her leadership and her unwavering commitment to serving others across Caddo Schools and the broader community.

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Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.”

Doug said, “I drive, therefore I am,” and honestly, I’m starting to trust my version more.

I spend so many hours with my body attached to a car that I’m basically a mobile Methodist. I know I20 like the back of my hand—every bump, every dip, every spot where my cell signal disappears as if it’s entering the Witness Protection Program. I know where law enforcement hides, waiting to catch those who treat the speed limit as a suggestion from a friend rather than a command from the state. I know exactly how far I can push the fuel light before I’m praying in tongues at the next exit. If you see me on the Interstate, give me a wave. I’ll wave back. I’m friendly like that.

Driving entertains me. I read bumper stickers like they’re sacred texts. If you see me tailgating, don’t worry—I’m not being aggressive; I’m just trying to discern whether your “Coexist” sticker is faded or ironic. And I’ve developed a spiritual gift: I can tell when someone is talking on the phone while driving. They always slow down. Always. It’s like the car senses the conversation and decides to meditate.

Today I was headed to Bossier City when the nice truck in front of me decided it was time for a midjourney spa treatment. He hit his windshield washer at 70 mph. At my following distance, his washer fluid became my washer fluid. A surprise baptism by RainX. I just smiled and thanked God for the improvisational rain shower. Louisiana weather is unpredictable, but apparently so are Louisiana drivers.

Now here’s where the sermon sneaks in.

My actions can change your attitude, and your attitude interprets my actions. That’s the whole ballgame.

I could’ve gotten mad. I could’ve imagined he did it on purpose. I could’ve turned on my wipers and smeared my windshield into a Monet painting. Or I could interpret it factually: I was following too closely behind a man with a dirty windshield who needed to see better. Or I could interpret it spiritually: God’s grace falls on the just, the unjust, and the guy behind the truck who wasn’t expecting a windshield blessing.

We don’t live in a vacuum. Our actions splash onto the people behind us—sometimes literally. That’s why Scripture tells us to be careful how we walk. We don’t want to trip someone else up. But the other side is just as important: I’m not responsible for what you do to me, but I am responsible for what I let your actions do inside me.

The world is small. The road is shared. And whether we like it or not, we’re all windshield washers for somebody.

So drive kindly. Live kindly. And if you must baptize the car behind you, at least use the good fluid.

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July 1 marks the anniversary of one of the most significant events in American history—the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

Fought over three days in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the battle became the largest and deadliest engagement of the American Civil War. More than 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers converged on the small town, where intense fighting ultimately resulted in an estimated 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured or missing.

The battle began on July 1 as Confederate and Union forces unexpectedly encountered one another outside Gettysburg. As additional troops arrived throughout the day, the fighting intensified and eventually spread across the surrounding hills and ridges.

The conflict reached its climax on July 3 with Pickett’s Charge, a massive Confederate assault against the center of the Union line. The attack failed, forcing Confederate General Robert E. Lee to retreat south, ending his second and final invasion of the North.

Historians widely consider the Battle of Gettysburg a turning point in the Civil War. Lee’s defeat halted Confederate momentum, while the Union victory strengthened Northern morale and shifted the course of the conflict.

Just four months later, President Abraham Lincoln returned to Gettysburg to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. During the ceremony, he delivered the Gettysburg Address, a brief speech that became one of the most enduring expressions of American democracy and the nation’s founding ideals.

Today, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield, allowing millions of visitors each year to explore the site where one of the defining moments in United States history began on July 1, 1863.

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