During my childhood, the Fourth of July was probably the most anticipated day of the year…other than Christmas, of course. My home town of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, hosted a big parade…at least to me it was a big parade. When I was very young, we would have to go to the main street of town to watch it. But later…maybe when I was eight or nine, the parade organizers expanded the route so that it traveled right past our house. People would come from all over to witness the parade which featured fire and ambulance vehicles of the many volunteer service organizations in the area. They all would proudly blast their sirens. It could get quite loud. The event itself was sponsored by our local fire department in Monmouth Junction. But lots of other local organizations participated…boy scouts and girl scouts, little league, 4-H ….many more. As a teenager, I marched in the parade many times with various organizations…including the Emerald Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, pictured above. Because of our vantage point, lots of people stationed themselves on our front lawn to view the parade. These folks were mostly longtime friends and relatives, many of whom we only saw on the Fourth of July. I would help my parents carry our lawn chairs from the backyard to the front. I also remember toting our redwood picnic table benches to the front yard. Many who came brought their own chairs, and some brought blankets on which to sit. In retrospect, the units marching in the parade were not all that exciting, but they were folks from our town…and we were proud. My sister and I always enjoyed these days as did, I believe, my parents. It was a time for community and family. It was also patriotic. We would all stand when an American flag marched by. It wasn’t a big deal. I don’t think it conveyed any secondary agendas. It was fine. After the parade we would go next door to my grandparents’ house for lunch. Sometimes we would host a cookout lunch ourselves. I remember wonderful food, lovingly prepared. Later, we would all go to the nearby municipal park, where the celebration continued until dusk. As a young family man, I returned to my hometown for the parade each year, with my wife and kids. Once my daughter had her picture taken with my sister and the photo appeared in the local newspaper…wonderful. I just searched our scrapbooks for that picture…of course I couldn’t find it. I know it’s around somewhere. Maybe I’ll post it next Fourth of July.
As the ’70’s wound down, so did the parade. I’m not sure why it all ended….probably the expense. Just a tucked away memory now…but such a sweet one. Happy Fourth!
billbenbarker 