Stonington — The members of New London Chapter #58 of the National Sojourners, all in traditional colonial clothing, unfurled an 11-foot by 18-foot replica of the Stonington Battle Flag Thursday.

Dogs wearing red, white and blue bandanas and their owners meandered through the crowd as the groups marching in the annual Stonington Borough Fourth of July Parade lined up.

Max Cottrell stood with his twin boys, Angus and Charlie, 3, who were getting ready to ride their bikes in the parade. Cottrell drove from New Jersey to visit his parents, who live in Stonington, and march as a family.

"There is a lot of great history involved so we can teach them something along the way about the country we live in," Cottrell said. "A parade is a great way to do that."

Before long, the procession began down Water Street. The onlookers applauded as the American Legion James W. Harvey Post 58 walked behind a police cruiser with the U.S. flag, followed by the National Sojourners.

Bill Breed, who was dressed as a militia member, said he wanted to promote patriotism and pay tribute to the heroes of 1776. Dave Elks, a Legion member, said the Legion always takes part in the parade and he likes that it brings the community together.

After the groups that were marching passed by, many residents and visitors walked the route too. A handful of Stonington residents who hail from Minnesota wore Viking hats and walked together. Bella Miceli, of Pawcatuck, was the parade grand marshal.

"It's like an organized mob and we're part of it," Elks said.

Rob Simmons, a former congressman and Legion member, carried the U.S. flag. As the parade made its way up Main Street and back to Wadawanuck Square, Simmons called Army marching cadences.

"They took away my faded jeans," he said, pausing so the Legion members could repeat the line. "Now I'm wearing Army greens."

Denny Arnheim, of Mystic, stood on the sidewalk with her husband and two friends, waving a small U.S. flag.

"There is nothing better than a hometown parade," she said.

"This is so Norman Rockwell," added her husband, Toby.

Some of the marchers sang "God Bless America" so Denny Arnheim chimed in. On the 4th, she said, she wanted "to take a few moments to truly realize what freedom is and how lucky we are in this country."

"I get teary eyed when I think of how blessed we are," she said. "We cannot take freedom for granted."

The Declaration of Independence was read in the square. At the end, Rob Palmer, president of the Stonington Historical Society, led the crowd in saying, "May God save these United States and a pox on King George!"

Simmons said it is important to revisit the words of the Declaration, "if we want to remain free." He added that it was a wonderful day for a parade and an honor to carry the flag.

j.mcdermott@theday.com