Vallejo's Fourth of July celebration reveals tale of two cities

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- It's almost a tale of two cities in the remains of the mare island naval shipyard, where rust and cobwebs cover the now abandoned economic engine that used to power Vallejo.

The Navy has been gone so long now that some of the letters have fallen off.

That's one tale.

LIST: Bay Area 4th of July fireworks and festivities

The other was on display in a long line winding all the way through downtown Tuesday for the city's annual Fourth of July parade.

"It seems to get better every year," one resident said.

Vallejo has one of the oldest Fourth of July parades in California.

July fourth holds a special place in Americans' hearts. It's the nation's birthday, after all. Is it about country, or community? Some say it's both.

We chose Vallejo today because if you look at the faces, it represents "Apple Pie" America in so many different flavors.

In a time when this country feels so divided, July 4th remains the one day when we set aside our difference, right? "United. United States of America. At least one day of the year!" a parade-goer chanted.

Now 241 years, and counting. Evolving.

If we can remember that in a diverse city like Vallejo? "Then the rest of the country can get along," another resident said.

Want to know what the weather will be like here for the fireworks show? Click here for the latest AccuWeather forecast.