OGT DAILY Day One Hundred and Thirty Three PARADE

In these times when it becomes challenging to be patriotic about our government and the decisions made by those in power, when we appear to have business leaders rather than leaders of people and public good, there is something faith restoring about the small hometown parade and celebration of the every day heroes who keep us safe.

On this 100th anniversary of American entrance into the First World War (April 6, 2017) Hastings-on-Hudson, NY is designating our village a Purple Heart Village in honor of the fallen veterans who have served from the community.

Main Street was filled with veterans, soldiers, sailors and local people clapping to the tune of the marching bands.   Flags and purple heart balloons where tied to every lamp post. The parade ended with a ceremony designating the Purple Heart status on the town and of course many speeches...then the playing of taps to remember the soldiers who gave their lives in war.

Purple Heart Village 

Hometown Sweethearts 

Marching bands and military parade

Vintage cars

My friend George driving a veteran of foreign war 

Soldiers from foreign campaigns

Our mayor and state politicians

 Local cheerleaders and baton twirlers

Little League 

The Mother's Club

Girl Scouts

Boy Scouts 

Westchester Police Emerald Society - drum and bagpipe corps

Our volunteer fire brigade!!

And our fire trucks, of course!

There has been some controversy about this purple heart designation by those who consider it war mongering in a time when the possibility of war seems likely in the hands of certain players. But I am patriot in the sense that what feels like democracy to me is to be involved with the public process on the local level and to celebrate those public servants who help make our democracy work.