Children and adults enjoyed red, white and blue Popsicles following the annual Kid’s Day Parade Friday morning at the Independence Square.
The colors were fitting for a parade that gave kids the chance to learn about the nation’s birthday. Kids and their adults walked and rode bikes, some equipped with patriotic gear. The parade started at 23rd and Main streets and proceeded on Main Street, ending at the Square.
Bert Schwaller, a parade coordinator, said it was a success.
“It met all our criteria,” Schwaller said. “We had plenty of participants, perfect weather and everything went very smoothly.”
The parade started four years ago when neighbors in the area wanted their children and others to experience an “old fashioned” parade. The event has grown each year. It was canceled last year because of reconstruction on a bridge on Main Street.
“The basic idea has been the same: It’s for the entertainment of the kids and to acquaint them with the traditions behind the Fourth of July,” Schwaller said.
U.S. Army Reserve Col. Walter Davis and his wife, Rife, served as honor guards for the American flag. They led the parade and escorted the flag by walking on each side of Old Glory.
“There were lots of little, happy kids that got their Fourth of July off to a good start,” Walter Davis said. “I think the parade reminded the kids and everybody as to why we celebrate the Fourth. It’s not the fireworks. It’s much, much more. We are protectors and defenders of the Constitution and the people of the United States. These children are our next generation. We’re very honored to have this opportunity.”
Honor guards for parades typically carry chrome-plated rifles. Since it was a kid’s parade, the Davis’s didn’t carry any weapons.
Rife Davis said this year’s parade marked the third year they’ve participated in the annual event. They served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rife said in a way the kids reminded them of Iraqi children who would frequently run up to them and start talking.
“It’s good to have kids see military people being real people to them,” she said.
State Rep. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, read the Declaration of Independence near the steps of the historic Jackson County Courthouse, where the parade ended.
“There’s no other place where the Fourth means more than right here in Independence,” LeVota told the crowd. “The principles that our government were founded on: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness still ring true this day and that’s why we honor our country this day.”
To see photos from the parade, go to the Spotted Gallery.
