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!
Article comments
1 - Dave Nalle
Saying 'we're not political' is like saying 'we're not Americans', because it's our political process and personal involvement in it which keeps us free and keeps America the kind of country it is.
Dave
2 - Victor Plenty
Saying "we're not political" may have been merely a polite way of saying "we don't support your candidate" in this case.