July 5th, 2010

Friends;

This morning, our youngest, Nicole, asked:  “Why do we have a parade for the 4th of July? I mean, I know we want to celebrate independence, but why a parade?” 

I answered her question with one of my own, a much more personal one:  “And what will the Carmel Marching Greyhounds bring to today’s event?”

The answer to both questions – Nicole’s and mine – may be summarized in one word:  ‘Spirit’.  There is something about a parade – something in the smiles of our veterans and in the cheers of the crowd…something in the wide eyes of the scouts and the energy of the gymnasts…something in the waves of the politicians and the pride of those driving classic cars…something in the diversity of all that that captures the spirit of our great and independent nation in a way that nothing else can.

And anchoring that spirit – and giving it the character and the promise and the enthusiasm of youth — were the Carmel Marching Greyhounds.  The first year members brought nervous excitement to this, their public debut.  The drum majors showed pride and nobility; the guard offered confidence and grace; the upperclassman demonstrated leadership.   As for the directors and staff, they brought sunscreen and patience; and the parents brought the essentials – the kids, a few chairs, enough water, and never enough money.

It was all so Norman Rockwell-like, so like his paintings that always seemed to capture those special moments in life that bring us together with a sense of family and community; moments when we seem to share common hopes and dreams; moments like those the members of the Carmel Marching Greyhounds helped to set to music.

Nicole has been asking a lot of good questions lately.  Some are best answered in pictures.

Best; Doug Pileri