Tying Shoelaces at a Fourth of July Parade Earned Him a Medal

Boy praised for tying shoe of Honor Guard member during Texas Fourth of July parade

A Shoelace, a Salute, and a Symbol of Kindness

Tying Shoelaces at a Fourth of July Parade

During the bustling celebration of the Fourth of July in 2019, the city of Arlington, Texas, witnessed something unexpected—but profoundly meaningful. Amid a two-mile downtown parade filled with pride and patriotism, a young boy named Josh reminded us all what American spirit truly looks like.

Officer Jarrick Wilson, part of the Honor Guard and a night-shift DWI enforcement officer, found himself in an awkward predicament: “Y’all just don’t know how he helped me out today lol… Happy 4th of July.” His shoelace had come untied, but with his hands full—like others in the unit—with either American flags or ceremonial rifles, stopping wasn’t an easy option.

As the group of officers considered their next move, Josh saw what was happening and acted. Without hesitation, he ran into the parade, knelt down, and tied Officer Wilson’s shoelace—right in the middle of a live march.

Wendy Collins Smith, a spectator touched by the moment, captured it in a now-viral photo. “We need more of his type in the world!” she wrote when posting it to social media.

The act earned Josh more than just online praise. Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson shared the moment on Twitter, saying, “Thank you Josh! We should all be so kind. I have a Chief Challenge coin for you.”

Lieutenant Christopher Cook explained to Yahoo Lifestyle, “The ‘Chief Challenge Coin’ is an honorary coin given to officers who perform kind acts. We started the tradition in 2014 and redesign the coin each year.” Josh became the first non-officer to receive this distinction—proof that compassion crosses all ranks and roles.

11-year-old boy ties officer’s shoelaces during Fourth of July parade

Dr. Dennis Wiles, Josh’s grandfather and a pastor at First Baptist Church of Arlington, proudly echoed the moment online: “Sometimes the police need an assist from the community…Way to go, Josh!”

The importance of Josh’s help wasn’t just about a shoelace. It was about unity. The Honor Guard couldn’t simply put down the American flag or shotgun without breaking protocol, as the U.S. Code strictly dictates the flag must not touch the ground. Josh’s small act bridged ceremonial tradition with practical support, allowing the parade—and the symbolism—to march on with dignity.

“Sometimes Officers need help from the community as well! Thanks again, Josh,” Officer Wilson added in a heartfelt Facebook post.

In a world that often focuses on the divisive, this quiet, instinctual act of kindness speaks volumes. Josh didn’t do it for recognition or reward—he did it because it was the right thing to do. On a day celebrating our nation’s independence and values, he reminded us that being American isn’t just about waving a flag; it’s about lifting each other up when someone needs a hand. We should all strive to be a little more like Josh.

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