Fourth of July special for Oklahomans

<br>(Undated-AP) -- Oklahomans expressed their patriotism Thursday at Independence Day parades, parties and fireworks displays. <br><br>Folks in Green Country enjoyed a safe and peaceful 4th of July.

Friday, July 5th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Undated-AP) -- Oklahomans expressed their patriotism Thursday at Independence Day parades, parties and fireworks displays.

Folks in Green Country enjoyed a safe and peaceful 4th of July. Many turned out for the Bell's Family 4th celebration enjoying the fireworks and a concert with Country Artist Billy Dean.

Earlier in the day folks enjoyed the rides and even a few tunes from an all female barbershop quartet. Several KOTV anchors were also there to greet the crowds and offer a little comfort from the heat in the "cool zone".

Thousands of Oklahoma City-area residents, some clad in red, white and blue clothing and waving American flags, attended a Fourth of July parade in Edmond. Parade-goers lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the annual LibertyFest parade _ Oklahoma's largest.

Some Tulsans who gathered for Tulsa Salutes Freedom reflected on the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Lenora Randerson says the meaning of family has grown since September 11th. Randerson says everybody realizes how important life is and to spend it with family -- because you never know.

Randerson also says the terrorist attacks has stirred Americans' overwhelming sense of patriotism.