I generally don't like parades. Too hokey, or worse, a celebration of militarism, over-ripe patriotism, and it's too damn not.

But I made an exception for today. Having moved to our new community last year, I thought it would be fun for the family (hubby and my three kids — cats stayed home) to attend the town's annual Independence Day parade. We drove about a mile to where the parade was to start, brought a folding chair and some water.

I was prepared not to have fun. But I did. The parade was mostly local churches, businesses, a brigade of antique firetrucks and automobiles, and a ton of folks running for office this November — from the school board all the way to Governor of Maryland. Someone came over and offered the crowd O'Malley/Brown for Governor signs. Before they got to me, one of the parents next to me shooed away the O'Malley rep with a dismissive, "We're not political."

Immediately, I said, "I am!" and took the sign. Granted, I'm a supporter of the candidate, but it struck me that here we were...at a parade celebrating the ultimate political act — a bold and reckless call for independence 230 years ago — and this guy wasn't political. (I wore a "JFK for President" button to kindergarten in 1960 so you know I'm political in the bones.)

I guess my neighbor was there for the free candy and frisbees.

My eldest daughter wondered why the parade was littered with political candidates. I told her THAT was the tradition. We were celebrating the exercise of freedom to assemble, freedom to speak, freedom to worship — all wrapped in a single local parade. (The free bottles of cold water were nice, too.)

I still don't love parades, but after today, I hate them a little less. Hope you enjoy a spectacular day celebrating!