It's one of those very special, memorable events - the July 3 Lititz parade which kicks off the town's big July 4 celebration. It's truly small town America where people stand as the flag passes by ... where folks applaud the members of the military as they pass by ... where patriotic songs are still played ... where folks still show their pride to be Americans. It reminds you of times, long gone in some areas of this country, where patriotism is still valued. By early afternoon on the day of the parade people have already reserved their spots along the parade route, using chairs and blankets. Family picnics can be seen in most neighborhoods while others walk through this very historical town with its special shops. There is a sense of anticipation like you might sense before a Penn State football game. Then thousands gather to watch bands and musical groups ... members of all branches of the military ... veterans ... scouts ... church groups ... buses with folks from area retirement homes ... fire trucks ... service groups ... majorettes and cheerleaders ... area business floats ... and a long line of Corvettes carrying the young ladies who will compete for the title of queen of this year's celebration. Many of those who are in the parade throw out candy to the kids who line the parade route with their bags to collect the goodies. The parade only lasts 45 - 60 minutes but it is a special hour for young and old alike. We especially enjoy watching with some of our grandkids and we are glad that they can experience this display of patriotism. Unfortunately for us, this might be the last parade that we get to enjoy there. Now that we are trying to sell dad's house, we no longer will have a handy place to park and to visit before and after the parade. Dad's house is located just a half block between two locations where the parade passes. It has been convenient for many years to visit him, park at his house, and then walk a short distance to see the parade. But times change. Hopefully the Lititz parade and its patriotic feelings will not change but continue for many years to come.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
A Very Special Event
It's one of those very special, memorable events - the July 3 Lititz parade which kicks off the town's big July 4 celebration. It's truly small town America where people stand as the flag passes by ... where folks applaud the members of the military as they pass by ... where patriotic songs are still played ... where folks still show their pride to be Americans. It reminds you of times, long gone in some areas of this country, where patriotism is still valued. By early afternoon on the day of the parade people have already reserved their spots along the parade route, using chairs and blankets. Family picnics can be seen in most neighborhoods while others walk through this very historical town with its special shops. There is a sense of anticipation like you might sense before a Penn State football game. Then thousands gather to watch bands and musical groups ... members of all branches of the military ... veterans ... scouts ... church groups ... buses with folks from area retirement homes ... fire trucks ... service groups ... majorettes and cheerleaders ... area business floats ... and a long line of Corvettes carrying the young ladies who will compete for the title of queen of this year's celebration. Many of those who are in the parade throw out candy to the kids who line the parade route with their bags to collect the goodies. The parade only lasts 45 - 60 minutes but it is a special hour for young and old alike. We especially enjoy watching with some of our grandkids and we are glad that they can experience this display of patriotism. Unfortunately for us, this might be the last parade that we get to enjoy there. Now that we are trying to sell dad's house, we no longer will have a handy place to park and to visit before and after the parade. Dad's house is located just a half block between two locations where the parade passes. It has been convenient for many years to visit him, park at his house, and then walk a short distance to see the parade. But times change. Hopefully the Lititz parade and its patriotic feelings will not change but continue for many years to come.
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