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.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
WAITING FOR WESTERN DAYS
It's the day before the Western Days parade and already some of the festivities have started. I heard gunshots last night, which means that the VC Posse was at work gunning down the bad guys. They will really get a workout tomorrow after the parade when they wills stage several fights at the fake Western town that they built just for this purpose. Should be fun!
They will choose the honorary mayor tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the community center. The four candidates to replace Left Eddy are Jan Imonti of the women's club, Doug Dechairo of the Kiwanis, Bill Laird of the Lions and Carol Mohrbacher of the Chamber.
We had two odd aeronautical events happen this week. First, there was a small private plane crash landing at Blackington air field (see our website). No one was hurt. This is the same airfield from which a private plane took off on the last day of 2005 and crashed moments later, killing three people. There's no relation, of course, but people tend to notice these kinds of coincidences.
The other crash happened early Thursday night when a helicopter came in for a hard landing near the entrance of Guejito Ranch, near the eastern shore of Lake Wohlford. Once again no one was hurt. Once again, you can get details on our website.
Yesterday I had the high privilege of seeing the high school unveil its heroes wall in the administration office. The wall has a dozen VCHS graduates who are serving in the military, most of them, interestingly enough, are Marines. Mel Schuler, the retired vice principal, who attended, was quite excited about all the Marines on the wall. Two additional photos honor VCHS grads who are soon to graduate from military academies.
Principal Ron McCowan invited retired Air Force Major Gen. Gene Hudson to say a few words. He was very inspirational, and looked fit and trim in a uniform that he has only worn twice since he left the Air Force in the 1970s. VCHS secretary Kathy Eckert, who wiped away a few tears while she listened to Hudson talk about how much we owe the young people who serve us in the armed forces, had arranged for a nice cake for guests to nibble on after the talk.
A few weeks ago I was interviewed for a show on the Oxygen Network called "Snapped," for an episode about Jane Dorotik, a VC woman who was convicted for the murder of her husband several years ago. They were interested in the newspaper's perspective on the case.
My interview ended up on the cutting room floor, however the episode will air June 3 on the Oxygen network. Be sure to miss it! Oops! I mean, be sure to catch it!
They will choose the honorary mayor tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the community center. The four candidates to replace Left Eddy are Jan Imonti of the women's club, Doug Dechairo of the Kiwanis, Bill Laird of the Lions and Carol Mohrbacher of the Chamber.
We had two odd aeronautical events happen this week. First, there was a small private plane crash landing at Blackington air field (see our website). No one was hurt. This is the same airfield from which a private plane took off on the last day of 2005 and crashed moments later, killing three people. There's no relation, of course, but people tend to notice these kinds of coincidences.
The other crash happened early Thursday night when a helicopter came in for a hard landing near the entrance of Guejito Ranch, near the eastern shore of Lake Wohlford. Once again no one was hurt. Once again, you can get details on our website.
Yesterday I had the high privilege of seeing the high school unveil its heroes wall in the administration office. The wall has a dozen VCHS graduates who are serving in the military, most of them, interestingly enough, are Marines. Mel Schuler, the retired vice principal, who attended, was quite excited about all the Marines on the wall. Two additional photos honor VCHS grads who are soon to graduate from military academies.
Principal Ron McCowan invited retired Air Force Major Gen. Gene Hudson to say a few words. He was very inspirational, and looked fit and trim in a uniform that he has only worn twice since he left the Air Force in the 1970s. VCHS secretary Kathy Eckert, who wiped away a few tears while she listened to Hudson talk about how much we owe the young people who serve us in the armed forces, had arranged for a nice cake for guests to nibble on after the talk.
A few weeks ago I was interviewed for a show on the Oxygen Network called "Snapped," for an episode about Jane Dorotik, a VC woman who was convicted for the murder of her husband several years ago. They were interested in the newspaper's perspective on the case.
My interview ended up on the cutting room floor, however the episode will air June 3 on the Oxygen network. Be sure to miss it! Oops! I mean, be sure to catch it!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
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Welcome to "The Curmudgeon's View" - Punditry, Analysis & Recipes hosted by David Ross. Please enjoy. Comments posted should not be libelous, sladerous or scandalous. Remarks will be withdrawn that are inappropriate at the discretion of the host.
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