What is the Grovarian Independence Day parade really about?

Blogfinger

Jul 2

Main Avenue. This is what it is about. Paul Goldfinger photo. 7/2/22. Blogfinger.net

I have already whined about this parade: It lacked a real marching band playing Sousa, it lacked active duty soldiers, it wasn't scheduled on July 4, and there was not a single revolutionary war recreation and no reference to the Founding Fathers and the courage they showed when they told off the King of England in the Declaration of Independence .

But, as I wandered around looking for photo ops, I was most impressed by we-the-people---having a joyful time as they lined Main Avenue cheering and waving flags. There was lots of laughter and family life. Kids were enthused with the spectacle.

So this parade, and others like it, is a celebration of America, and I guess that George Washington and his colleagues in 1776 would have enjoyed this event if they were watching or riding in a fire truck throwing candy out the window.

Why don't I usually use names? Well I want my photographs to tell a story, and I don't need the names to tell a story.

Girls in their summer clothes? What could be more beautiful than American women? I bet the "Founding Fathers" would have approved--remember Molly Pitcher, Abigail Adams, Mary Washington, Deborah Sampson and others who are well represented in today's parade by modern women and what they continue to accomplish.

Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq. The Monmouth County Clerk. OG parade. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net. Click once to Seymour.

Eileen says that women like to be admired. I approached her with my camera and I said, "Hi, today I am featuring cute girls." She reacted immediately with a sparkling smile. So here she is, looking great in that convertible, but you should know that she is a brilliant public servant.

This family gathered on a Main Ave. porch to enjoy the parade. Their reaction shows how much they love their country. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net. Click once to enlarge.