I love parades. There is something nostalgic and satisfying about the entire process. Parades combine some of my favorite things: community, patriotism, family, faith and simply being involved. We have several great parades in our local area each year.
July 4th has a myriad of options in Woodstock, Dunwoody, Canton, Marietta, etc. Every August we enjoy the Old Soldier's Day parade in Alpharetta. The Youth Day Parade in Roswell commands a large crowd in the fall; and in December, the Johns Creek Founder's Day parade wraps up the year.
We all live busy lives — sometimes too busy. Are parades really that important? I think so, and for many good reasons. As a young boy, I watched with excitement as the marching band played and fire trucks drove past. Men and women proudly wore their uniforms from the armed forces and public safety, and we cheered with admiration. School children decorated floats and sports teams marched in their freshly cleaned jerseys. Everyone smiles in a parade and you never leave with any regret. I informally polled a group of 25, and everyone agreed they enjoy parades and want to attend one again soon.
As an elected official, I am fortunate to participate in several parades. I have walked, ridden on fire trucks, played my trumpet and sat in a convertible while throwing candy to kids along the parade route. Everyone is energized and can feel the sense of community at a parade. I also believe people who attend and participate in parades are more likely to vote and be active members of their city, county, state and country. I can't really quantify that; it's just my gut feeling.
Adding to my zeal for parades is waving American flags. "Old Glory" represents freedom and liberty, which we can never take for granted. As President Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." Our patriotism and pride are important, and I never miss the opportunity to proudly display and wave the U.S. flag.
My boys, Kari and I have attended and actively participated in dozens of parades. We have great family stories about running out of candy, unexpected weather, signs falling off the car, etc. We sit around the kitchen table laughing and smiling as we reminisce. We will be telling these stories for generations, always with a smile.
Here is my challenge to each of you reading this article: Attend or participate in a parade this next year. If you are looking for specific dates or ideas, send me an email. I promise that you will enjoy yourself and make a lasting memory.
to your business!