Questions from a Grouchy old man
Author: Bill Garwood
Questions from a Grouchy Old Man
Bill Garwood
Happy October, and post Fall Fest. It seemed to be another great one, or was it? The folks setting up the park did a great job; the bandstand was very nice! Friday, the day started with the Broadwater School Homecoming parade. I listen to our local people, I hear what is said and there are folks with serious concerns about our town. Many people are not happy with the way things are changing.
Let’s start with the lack of consideration from the staff of the school, the Senior portraits that usually are put up on the town flag poles were having to be carried by some of the students, because they were told, “Well, we don’t have time to put them up”. What? Several students were not even allowed to walk in the parade.
The Big problem, myself and many of the town’s people have is that THERE WERE NO AMERICAN FLAGS POSTED IN THE PARADE! Not on the floats or the vehicles. No 1st responders or students carrying them. Last I looked, I wasn’t in any country that was ashamed to fly their national flag. The lack of Patriotism by city leaders is appalling.
The American Legion Post 42, I can understand (a bit), they have very few extra people to show up in parades lately. And like many of us, we are older. Why exactly is it that there aren’t the parades like we used to have, a few times a year? With the homecoming parade there are usually the Mounted horse troops, or Sheriff’s horse people. Nope, not this parade! Duty calls, I understand, but where was the local mounted police presence? Not only is this Montana, it’s America. WE celebrate our freedoms!
I asked the principal of the school, "Why no American flags?" I was told, “We forgot, the parade procession was started and we NOTICED the flags weren’t on the floats or vehicles. We will get them on there next year”. Just noticed? You would think this would be kind of a priority. Celebrating the fact that we CAN have free parades and celebrations in our towns. Sad.
The food was excellent at the booths, and goods for sale at the local booths were very nice! Mother Nature was mostly kind, especially for the car show. Good Old Montana weather adds to the atmosphere. The local businesses did good business, it seemed. So mostly all was good. I would ask that the Town & County “leaders” think about maybe checking with parade participants, about celebrating America. While we are able to!
Now, on into late fall and Ghost Stroll events. We already have snow in the mountains & passes. Prepare!
