VETERANS' DAY PARADE

Our organizers had the choice of two Saturdays, November 5 or November 12. They chose wisely and we had decent weather, always a crapshoot this time of year.

I couldn't be more thrilled that our terrific organizers have revived this tradition in our town. Still, beyond any control of the organizers, I saw some disturbing trends. Fewer and fewer of the adults are saying a simple "Thank you" to the war vets who pass by them. In fact, most of the younger adults are just helping their kids fill up candy bags. What is fundamentally a patriotic parade has turned into Halloween on steroids. Wake up, parents! Teach your kids a little something.

It's great that "Miss This" or "Little Miss That" ride in the parade and wave. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's also great that the local car dealers put the nice cars out for the "Misses" to ride in. Would it kill one party or the other to have a sign on the side of the car other than "Call Sam Jones to buy this car @ 555-5555"? Again, a simple "Thank You" would have been nice.

We had multiple bands this year. That was great. All of you who want to write letters to the editor about the bands who weren't there, please don't. High School Bands have Saturday commitments. Hard choices have to be made. The bands who weren't there are neither unpatriotic or disloyal to their community so, with all due respect, please put a sock in it.

During the parade muster, I had an extended opportunity to study the 9/11 memorial truck. I wish the opportunity had been shorter. That is tough duty.

For all of you who thanked the WWII and Korean War guys, thank you. For all of you who taught your kids to thank those guys, God Bless You.

Our Mayor and both organizers used a fixed position this year. This allowed them to shake every hand that came off of the parade route. "Attaboys" to all three.

The Saturday of Veterans' Day weekend next year is Nov. 12. Save it next year....and teach your kids to thank veterans in the meantime.