Truth be told, neither Long, an early parade supporter, nor Annette Boyd, the parade’s spirited founder, had any idea what would transpire at 10 a.m., July 4, on Lafayette Square. They had high hopes for a festive, youth-centered parade that would celebrate - and help teach - patriotism; that would allow children to express pride in their country in charming, clever and colorful ways; that would honor a worthy grand marshal with a record of service to children and that would become a community tradition, repeated annually with a new cast of red, white and blue-clad youngsters.
Sadly, Long and Boyd are both gone now, but their grand vision and high hopes for the parade have been fully realized. And then some.
Each July 4 since 1985, the “proud Americans” of Troup County, to borrow Boyd’s favorite phrase, have turned out to walk, roll, skate, pull, push and ride in a sometimes hot, sometimes wet but always enthusiastic celebration of the good old USA.
On Saturday, the youth of Troup County will do it again, this time in the 25th Sweet Land of Liberty parade. None of these youngsters can remember a time when a children’s parade was NOT part of our community’s Independence Day celebration. Many adults who grew up participating in the parade now look on in pride as their own kids make the march.
The parade, like America, has changed through the years. The Junior Service League, with strong support from Troup County Parks and Recreation Commission, stepped up to stage the parade and co-founder Jim Boyd remains active in supporting the event which now leaves from a park named to honor him and his late wife.
The theme of this year’s parade - “Red, white and blue goes green” - is as modern and forward looking as the participants themselves.
Yet, also like America, the truly important aspects of the parade are timeless. It’s still limited to youngsters 19 and under; only non-motorized vehicles are allowed (decorated bikes and wagons are always plentiful) and no commercial displays are permitted. The parade will recognize 4th and 5th grade “good citizens” with Pat on the Back awards, honor outstanding high school seniors with prestigious awards and salute grand marshal Alton West, the community’s first DARE officer and a longtime advocate for children.
On July 3, 1985, in this space, Glen Long wrote these words: “A strong, free society can withstand most any assault from without. What it cannot survive is apathy, indifference and ignorance on the part of its citizens.
“It is our obligation, as heirs to the sacrifices of others, to meet the responsibilities of citizenship in a free society, to promote an understanding of that heritage and to pass it on to succeeding generations.”
True then, true now.
Essential then, even more essential now.
Please join us in supporting and attending the 25th Sweet Land of Liberty Parade.
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