Larry Cole raises the flag while Sam Wood addresses the crowd

 

 

After Larry Cole raised the flag, Sam took the high road and in a great tribute to the parade's founder, Sam's mother, Jean Wood, dedicated this year's parade not to the famous but to the unheralded hardest workers

 

"Welcome back. The people who don't want recognition are getting recognized by Kosmet for their tireless effort during the pandemic. Thank you"

 

He invited 3 nurses, Alex Ludmear from Dunewood, Zany Qualenteen from Lonelyville and Sue Athubg from Atlantique.

 

Deanna Jelardi also from Atlantique and  from North Shore Hospital, who left a career as an off Broadway actress and singer, to go back to nursing school and worked in the COVID unit, sang the National Anthem (what a treat for the lucky  crowd).

 

 

Without missing a beat Kismet replicated the time honored tradition as 12 floats showed up in full regalia, children cajoled in the chaos to cooperate and smile.

 

 

 

 

Among the floats (and winners) were

Charlie's Fire Dept as Most Historical

Most Topical was the NUrses

 Most Creative: Christmas in july

Beat in Parade :Bumble Bees

 

 

The beloved Bayshore Marching Band, whose availability determined the early July 27 date, at the parade's beginning, when it all seemed  almost out of control, the sound of the marching band came alive with their insistent drum beat and hearts beat quicker, spirits soared, and all were reminded of why they were here.

                

God Bless America