There's Just Something About a Parade
Always an emotional experience
We had a house on the Bristol 4th of July Parade route for over thirty years and were so lucky. Lucky to enjoy the event, but more fortunate to be able to invite family and friends to share it with us and allow us to see the parade through their eyes. This year was different. We sold the house.
Like moths to a flame, we were drawn again even though we had to drive, find a parking place, and walk a mile to view it. We were pleased for several reasons, not the least was that we met our caloric burn for the day. There were fleets of clouds enough to moderate the sun and a breeze that made it comfortable. Helicopters flew overhead. I heard a boom. Sirens. The smell of gunpowder. It was time.
Parades are entertaining spectacles with music, performances, elaborate floats, and costumes that provide enjoyment and excitement for participants and spectators alike.
As we strolled, we met long-time friends enjoying the parade as if it were their first and the camaraderie as if it were our first. There’s something about it.
It reminded me of my first parade on Columbus Day in downtown Providence. In addition to the excitement of being there, I remember the Knights of Columbus marching past, dressed in magnificent black capes with white sashes and feathered hats atop their heads, carrying swords as part of the regalia. And I remember the pulsing beat of marching bands and the penetrating joy of dancing clowns.
The Bristol parade this year was no less exciting than any I had seen, even though we were not sitting on our porch having breakfast with grandchildren before the marchers came along, and not hosting a cookout in the rear yard at the parade’s end. We were walking, talking with friends, standing, and watching, and no less thrilled.
It was a multisensory experience that returned us to a community that knew how to celebrate a significant day in our nation’s history. This parade was replete with memories of, and tributes to, our nation’s heroes, primarily those serving and those who have served our country. It seemed to me to be more prevalent than in previous years. Perhaps I was looking at this parade through different eyes, wizened eyes, eyes hopeful that we can maintain our democratic principles, eyes seeing reminders of those who defended our democracy, eyes wanting, praying for a legacy to leave my grandchildren. Thus, I saw the symbols of our democracy as being more prominent, and palpable.
The mingling of our nation’s military with tradition, families, music, social commentary, local establishments, and historical reenactments with little leaguers, schools, elected officials, committees, cultural heritages, traditions, and significant historical events highlighting their identity, diversity, and values were meaningful.
Children ran to our service members to give them high fives. The sunny service people, resplendent in white, were able to step out of the precision of the march to return the touch. Children marveled at the colorful floats, costumes, decorations, large balloons, marching bands, performers, Elmo and Friends, but it seemed to me that they were most excited by those high-fivers. It touched me to see the connections. Wistful, I silently wept as I observed the future with hope.
Clydesdales. A string band. “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
Yes, parades are entertaining emotional spectacles that provide enjoyment and excitement for participants and spectators alike, but this day seemed different. I saw unity. I saw a sense of belonging. I saw peace. I saw pride. I saw hope. I saw dignity. I saw integrity. I saw joy. I saw belonging. I saw a community. I saw honesty. I saw the truth.
This parade, this 2024 parade was raising awareness about critical issues that we need to understand, to address, to squeeze. Was this year’s Bristol parade a historical milestone?
Maybe it was.
Maybe it was the symbol that would help to promote understanding of diverse perspectives. Maybe it was THE symbol of togetherness.
Perhaps I looked at this Bristol Parade differently because it is a critical year in our nation’s history. Or maybe I was tired because I walked a distance and wasn’t sitting on the porch. I don’t think so.
And so, I ask. How did you feel about your Celebration of Independence this year?
I have a granddaughter who is in the U.S. Navy and attached to a submarine. She entered right after she graduated high school in 2019. She was the first female in RI to pass the nuclear test to go to through Boot Camp to Navy nuclear school and graduate from that and become a nuclear mech on a sub. So every day she is in our thoughts and hearts and prayers. Not just on the 4th of July!
Ed I felt exactly as you did. It was very emotional and brought back a lot more precious memories that teared me up as well. I was fortunate enough to sit in front of Benjamin Church Manor which gave me an excellent view which I thought was So Beautiful. The floats were Amazing. The Military Bands out did themselves. Mt. Hope School band and let's not forget the Bristol Police Dept. and Bristol Fire Dept.. Tomb of the unknown Soldier etc. etc.
The only disappointing problem was Bristol Residents could not view it on their TV's. I found out thru Dave Scarpino it was on You Tube.
The July Fourth Committee is in charge of that.
The Festival Committee has a meeting tonight and I already told Dave this has to change.
Your narrative of the Parade was so well written as usual. Thanks, Ed.