ANOTHER WESTERN DAYS IS PAST

The Western Days parade as seen from riding in a convertible is a completely different perspective. This year's parade was obviously affected by the road work because there were entire stretches of road where there were few, if any spectators. The folks along the road tended to coagulate next to announcers. The bigger the sound system, the larger the crowd. It would be interesting to find out if there are estimates as to how large the crowd was.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Western Days parade committee for the truly "grand" honor of making me the grand marshal this year. It was an entirely fun experience. Thanks also to everyone who made me feel welcome along the parade route.

One reader makes an excellent observation about flag etiquette:

I have served 8 yrs in the military, 8yrs on a local school board, 40yrs in Rotary and officiated as a track & field official in the 1984 Olympics and 1992 trials. Every time due respect to our flag----the flag of the United States--- was observed by STANDING and REMOVING ones hat as it either passed by you or you saluted it. I mean ALL stood. Even singing of the national anthem commanded same respect of which I have reminded some slobs at such events. My question to you as a journalist is why we as US citizens have strayed from that respectful honor? I was truly embarrassed at the parade when only 2 people stood at the passing of the colors by the posse. I mean out of all those women men and children only 2 stood and sadly they had gray hair. They gave the sacrifice they knew the sacrifice. The younger ones simply take it for granted and that all good will come to them with no effort to rise out of my comfy chair. Whoa-----at who's sacrifice are they able to assemble today yet don't give a small recognition for that privilege?. Obviously they were not taught proper manners or too lazy to execute them. It's damned high time journalists get off their dead ends and put pen to ink to correct that oversight. If WE or YOU don't re instill American patriotism and respect for country and others we will bowing to Mecca. I was truly saddened by what I saw on this special day.