Everyone LOVES a parade! I still get excited when I see parades. So much excitement, so many happy people, so much fun!
In case you missed it, here is a synopsis of the morning: It was awesome! There were several dance troupes, a drum and bugle corps, a Scottish bagpipe group, the Shriners, a martial arts studio, and much much more!
In case you participated, and you didn't get to see the other groups, well, here you go! You guys all looked so GOOD! It was pretty warm yesterday, but you didn't falter.
To the gentlemen at the grandstand, you did a great job announcing all of the participants. I'm so grateful for your service and it was great to see you three.
To those who have lost loved ones because they died while in service to their country: thank you for loving that person so much that they wanted to serve our great country. That means so much.
To those who have died for our country: I'm so appreciative of your love for our country. Freedom isn't free, and you knew that when you signed that line when you entered into the United States military. You were taking a risk that you could beat the bad guys and protect Americans, east to west, from the North Slope of Alaska to the Key West in Florida. Thank you for taking that risk, for without you and your love for our country, who knows what we would have now? I shudder to think.
It goes without saying that I would rather that none of you had gone too early. I also know that we each have a calling in life, and sometimes that calling is to make the ultimate sacrifice. One person, by sacrificing himself, can save 20, and it is not for any glory, but for the selfless thought the others must be safe to keep on fighting the good fight. That is honor, and love for fellow man. I thank you for your bravery and love.
Here are some of my very favorite photos from Saturday's parade.
I wasn't sure which dance group these people are from, I didn't photograph their banner, but I love all of the colors and the costumes.
This next kid was just enjoying the scene as he rode through the parade.
Several Girl Scout troops from the Prince George's county area.
Boy Scouts from the Prince George's County area.
This little boy just cracked me up!
The look on his face was, "Is this almost over?"
It was probably the longest ride he'd ever made up to this day.
It was so neat to see all of these Boy Scouts marching along with this huge flag.
This was probably one of my favorite participants of the parade.
This gentleman was standing behind me. I asked him if I could photograph him,
and he said "Sure!". If you know him, please let him know that he
made it onto my blog.
The Boys and Girls Club, what a great group of kids and parents!
I LOVE this little girl's enthusiasm!
The Shriners!
While they were paused for the group before them to perform, I asked this gentleman to throw candy at me. It's a great shot!
They had their little cars!!!
This requires LOTS of talent; I think unicycles and stilts are things I will probably never try out. That's ok, I enjoy watching them! These kids did GREAT.
Here's one of my most favorite local organizations, Bowie C.L.A.W.
Please remember to spay or neuter your pets.
If you are looking to adopt, please consider rescuing a dog or cat.
Well hi, there, cutie!
These beautiful young ladies were very regal.
Did you know that Prince George's County has a mounted police force?
One of the most important participants of the parade! Everyone cheered for him!
A local favorite!
This is Dream Nation Advanced Performing Marching Unit.
They did a spectacular job!
Uncle Sam says: "I want YOU!"
I love their message:
Working To Educate Our Young To Be Kind To Animals.
These kids were helping out by throwing candy to the audience.
Another one of my favorite performances:
These are students from the New World Bilingual Institute. They have been featured at
President Obama's Inaugural Parade and many other prestigious events.
www.nwbi.usa
I think this is my favorite image from the whole parade.
The dragon bows to the judges in the Grandstand.
My favorite car in the parade! I love the license plate!
These kids were pretty good, too!
Another favorite performing group.
Smokey the Bear!
Line dancing!
It looks like their next festival will be Octoberfest!
I love her costume!
Another favorite performance!
These girls and their leaders strive to make a difference!
These guys and gals have TALENT!
The local Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Martial Artists
Beautiful pageant girls!
Another favorite car! It looks like a honey bee!
This Roadrunner/Wile E Coyote thing cracked me up!
Bowie proudly recycles!
The truck drivers enjoyed blowing their horns at each other!
So proud of those who protect us.
Moments after the parade
Our Grandstand Judges
Uncle Sam here, quipped, "I'm half the man I used to be", referring to himself on stilts.
The students from New World Bilingual Institute, posing for a casual photo.
The dragon has caught its pearl.
I'm not sure which group these guys were in, but they were very enthusiastic!
What a great parade! As you know, I'm new to the area and learning all kinds of great things about this beautiful city that I now live in. The people of Bowie and the surrounding areas are so friendly and I'm glad we chose to live here.
If you participated in this parade, but you don't see yourself, don't worry, I just might have an image of you. Please call me at 240-245-0416 for information.
In your
mind, you promise yourself that you’ll always remember these things, but our
brains are funny in that way. Ten years
down the road, who was once your 9 year old daughter, is now 19, a sophomore in
college, and wears her hair in a pixie cut.
Your 23 year old just graduated from college, and is thinking about
getting married! Your twins are now moms
themselves, and it’s hard to believe that you are a grandma!
Wouldn’t it
be amazing to walk past your photographs every day, and feel your heart burst
with love, pride, or nostalgia every time you looked at them? How do you think a beautiful photograph of
your children all together, loving on each other, help them on those rough days
as siblings sometimes have? What would
it mean to you to have a photograph of you and your partner, holding each
other, when he or she travels often for work?
