Today was a beautiful day spent in Califon, N.J at the town's parade and war memorial dedication. As we approached the parade route, this was the view of the bridge.
The parade was not a long one and it had all of the usual parade participants. A bag pipe ensemble...
...some local cheerleaders who stopped to show us a routine...
...and the antique cars.
Representatives of a few of the local fire departments.
A brigade of civil war re-enactors who gave us a six gun salute.
And after the parade all gathered at the new park to hear the mayor's words of remembrance.
And his words of thanks to this 93 year old WWII veteran.
A veteran who helped to make sure, along with all of those who lost their lives, that we may live in freedom in this great country of ours. The high school choir sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and all rose to their feet clapping and cheering afterwards.
On November 19 1863, 150 years ago this year, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address...
"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
God bless the brave men and women who have served and are serving now in the armed forces.
God bless those who served and did not live to come home
God Bless this great nation,
God Bless America.
Barbara, such a wonderful post. All small towns have the same type of parades yet they are all different. Our town lines the streets with flags and it is such a beautiful sight. One of my friends from England wrote that they are always surprised at how patriotic Americans are. It's hard to imagine that would be a surprise to anyone..Happy Monday..Judy
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post Barbara!
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