Woo Hoo!
For decades my neighborhood has had a parade on Independence Day, except for a couple of years during Covid. But now we’re back!
It’s the simplest thing you can imagine. First, the city blocks off streets so people can get together safely.
People dress up in red white and blue, or even wear costumes like the Statue of Liberty.
Kids decorate the bikes and scooters, and parents decorate their strollers. When my kids were little, this could have been us.
Then people gather in front of the local branch of the public library, and listen to the national anthem and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Take that you filthy Brits! We still remember!
Talking is done, so everyone gathers behind a truck from the local fire company. And they’re off!
Everyone marches down the road. It’s a hot, muggy day, but people are still happy.
But suddenly they’ve all ditched their bikes! Why?
Because the fire truck has turned on its hose!
Everyone is cooling off in the spray!
There are popsicles for all the kids!
Everyone have fun! It’s the Fourth of July Parade again!
Even the dogs are in the mix.
It looks more fun than the typical marching band and floats parade.
I feel really bad for bands marching in the July heat and humidity.
…it’s not the declaration of independence…but at least one member of my family is fond of this effort by robert burns when it comes to commemorating that bout of independence
A Fragment [Ballad on the American War]
…not the easiest read but if you can find someone to do that part to whom the accent comes naturally it’s quite fun
…but it’s hardly hamilton or anything
…certainly more fun than the same family member trying to get somebody else (like muggins, here) to read this one at a thanksgiving dinner…at least from my point of view…they seemed to get a kick out if it
Thanksgiving For A National Victory