July 4th Parades - The Plainfields Contrasted

Veterans float led off Plainfield's parade

Oddly, the Courier gave no coverage to central New Jersey's oldest and -- arguably -- largest July 4th parade, Plainfield's.

Instead, North Plainfield's parade was prominently featured on page 1 of Thursday's edition, highlighting the parade's patriotic theme and detailing the numbers of marching bands (four) and units in the parade (50).

While Plainfield's parade led off with a bright and patriotically themed float for its veterans, that was the ONLY patriotic theme I noticed in walking the parade route from Park Avenue to Covenant United Methodist Church and back.

Martiza's Boutique displayed one of two flags spotted on display

In fact, the only flags on display -- besides the hand-held ones distributed to onlookers by Freeholders walking the route -- were one hung outside the store by the owner of Maritza's Boutique and a lonely pole-mounted flag in front of the YWCA.

One would scarcely have known we were in the midst of a foreign war in which more than 3,500 American men and women have laid down their lives, one of whom -- Trista Moretti of South Plainfield -- was just laid to rest on Tuesday.

Onlookers, though, were obviously enjoying the day and the parade. And the kids were having the greatest time of all. Little people everywhere were jumping up and down and waving their little flags wildly as they saw each unit approach.

The boys offer a patriotic twist




Children express their wonder...




...and delight

Oh to be small and innocent and wide-eyed once again, the world an enchanting place and your safety guaranteed by benevolent and well-meaning adults!

-- Dan Damon

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