Another 4th of July has come and gone. It is always amazing to me to see how patriotic everyone becomes. Flags are flying in many yards, people are dressed in red, white and blue, families get together for reunions and BBQ's, and everyone is proud to be an American. It's fantastic.

However, what is more amazing to me is that these same die-hard Americans, who are so proud to show their patriotism by attending parades, festivals, etc. and dressing up in their 4th of July finest, also have such little respect for the soil we live on. What gives you the right to leave all your trash on the street?

I think everyone should take a drive down the parade route after the parade is over, or walk through the freedom festival grounds once the crowds are gone. You would think a tornado hit the world's largest garbage dump and dropped everything in one 4-mile radius right here in the middle of Provo. Let's show some pride in our country by keeping it clean. All you people who are so proud to be patriotic.

Stop littering, please.

•Terra Costin, Orem