Your
Fearless Leader was probably inspired to travel by my Aunt Virginia. I still
have the little Hawaiian drum she brought me from the island. She also brought
sister and I necklaces made from seeds. She mailed postcards from National
Parks that I stared at and told myself “Someday , I will see that with my own
eyes.” Another place Auntie “V” attended was the Rose Parade in Pasadena,
California. We watched as the cameras flashed pictures of the crowd, because we
knew she would wave to us. I have never forgotten her being there, and I have
never forgotten my first trip to the parade. You won’t forget it either.
I’m
guessing that all of us grew up watching the Tournament of Roses Parade. The
tradition of New Year’s Day to watch those magnificent floats coming down
Colorado Avenue. The marching bands, the equestrian entries, the celebrities
are part of this feast for the eyes. We
were dazzled by the sheer number of flowers used to decorate these major
constructions. We were amazed by the plants and seeds and living things in a
kaleidoscope of colors that were applied by hand to make these pieces of art
come to life. We kept track and voted in our living rooms of our favorites.
Let’s go
see it. Let’s go to Pasadena to the Tournament of Roses Parade. We can be the
ones sitting in the grand stands clapping. We can be the ones doing a behind
the scenes tour to watch the floats in their final preparation stages. It only
happens once a year. We can also cruise
down Rodeo (pronounced Row-Day-Oh) drive and take pictures of the HOLLYWOOD
sign and put our hands in big stars prints on the Walk of Fame.
This is
a classic experience. Knowing 2018 is the 129th Tournament of Roses
Parade, this is something wholesome for all ages. Our parents, and
grandparents, and great grandparents have been part of this All-American
tradition for decades. So many things change, but this entertaining event still
goes on. It’s like seeing a show in New York City, or visiting Disneyland. It’s
part of our American fabric, like seeing the changing of the guard at Arlington
Cemetery, taking a hike in Yellowstone National Park, and going to Alaska. Every
American should do this! It should be on everyone’s Bucket List. It’s truly
“Americana”.
The
roses on the floats will fade, but you will have the memories.