Editor’s note: the following letter is in response to a Wednesday letter to the editor regarding participation in this year’s Fourth of July parade.

 

Dear Ms. Edson,

 

I’m so sorry your son came away from our parade in tears.

Certainly our intent with the parade is to provide a friendly, fun, patriotic atmosphere where anyone can come and participate, and feel like they are a welcome part of this community. We hope to instill pride in our country, and to celebrate the wonderful gift it is to be an American. It’s also remembering that this country is the Land of the Free, Because of the Brave – honoring all those men and women who came before us and fought for the freedom and the rights we have today, and those who are doing so right now.

You are right, we would like to have more people come and be a part of our Independence Day parade. It’s kind of a new effort for Andalusia, and we truly hope it will grow more in the future. Yes, it’s hot. And yes, it’s a holiday where most everyone has their own plans. But as a DAR chapter, we feel it’s important to keep trying. We are so very proud of those who do participate, and those who come to watch.

I’ll let you in on a little secret – we have 10 “active” members, seven of whom were at the parade yesterday – (and two of those are well over 80 years old!). So although we are few in number, we make a mighty effort! DAR provided 3,600 beads, 2,000 pieces of candy, and 96 beach balls for parade throws, as well as the patriotic photo standups that were available, free of charge, before and after the parade. We have no volunteers (other than family members who are pressed into service!) no sponsors, no donors, no financial help at all. It’s just a few very industrious Southern women who are determined to make a difference.

I hope at least your son came away with the knowledge that there were people in his town proudly celebrating the birth of America, and the country that he lives in today. If he’d like to ride on our DAR float next year, he’s welcome to – we’d love to have him! Just make a note and give me a call next June, and I’ll get you all the information, so he can have the fun experience of being a part of it all.

In the meantime, thank you for creating the opportunity for me to invite Andalusia to come to the 2018 Fourth of July parade. It never hurts to plan ahead!

 

Sincerely,

 

One of the seven industrious and determined DAR women

Brenda Gouge,

Regent – Old Three Notch DAR