(WAUKESHA, WI) 

4th of July parades and fireworks events across the Badger State have a way of bringing people together. 

Thousands turned out Thursday for Waukesha's 4th of July parade. Those who came say its not only a great way to spend time with friends and family, but also to see people put their differences aside and come together to celebrate freedom.

“I think you see people standing up all at once, you don’t know what side they are on but they all stand up and they clap and they cheer for our military and our service personel.” says parade-goer Elizabeth Sparks. 

Many at the parade say they hope the lessons people learn during the parade can carry on through the rest of the year.