Buzz Aldrin: American Hero, Grand Marshal
Since we’re hanging out in Myrtle Beach (the draw of the ocean is powerful), we celebrated our freedom with others at the inaugural Memorial Day weekend parade in Myrtle Beach. For some, the highlight was seeing Buzz Aldrin lead the parade. No question, it was great to be close to an American hero. But the highlight for me (and I think for others in my family) came later in the parade.
As parades go, this one went well. We had plenty of room, the crowd was friendly and the balloons, bands, floats and other elements were spaced out in a way that it felt easy, entertaining and fun. And it had firetrucks.
The two highlights focused on the purpose of the weekend. The first was the sheer number of veterans marching in the parade. It was enough to bring a tear to my eye – especially thinking of what they must have seen and experienced. But the tears really came when I watched a woman leap from the side of the road and walk up to each man and shake their hand. In fairness, I wish I did, too. But my eyes were swelling with tears and I was holding my children. I guess we all have lessons to learn and people to thank.
The second moment was watching mothers of soldiers walk – some with pictures. As a parent now, I understand their sacrifice — and their pride. We clapped loudly and long for both groups of people.
The parade got us thinking and talking about freedom, our country and our service men and women fighting for our freedoms. We took time to remember, to thank and to reflect. It was a great parade, and a great day.
