News … Past News … July 2004

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Thoughts on the Parade
By Ken Wright, President, Dunwoody Homeowners Association, Inc.

When the US led coalition defeated Saddam Hussian's army in March 1991, Dunwoody joined the rest of America in celebrating the overwhelming victory and prepared to welcome home America's Armed Forces. It was only proper that we hold a parade on the Fourth of July in their honor and to celebrate the many freedoms we cherish. The Dunwoody Homeowners Association quickly gathered volunteers to plan and execute a grand parade. The response by the community was immediate and enthusiastic. That was the first in a continuing series of successful parades leading up to the one today. Over the intervening years, we recognized significant events in a mostly peaceful land; we supported the Special Olympics in 1996 and renewed our spirits after the tornado in 1999. Dunwoody's citizens decorated floats, rode in classic cars, wore patriotic costumes and had a grand old time as they marched past cheering spectators. We all joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem. Parents and grandparents used the opportunity to remind young people, and themselves, just how much we have to be thankful for. For one day each year, we were united as we remembered just how dear were our freedoms and our way of life.

Then came September 11, 2001 and the nearly three thousand innocent men, women and children killed by a ruthless and malicious enemy. The hope for a lasting peace was shattered when terrorists singled out the United States with vicious attacks on New York City and Washington DC. Once again our military was called upon to defeat an enemy that threatened our country.

By the time another Independence Day rolled around, we had watched our troops attack al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan, and were cheered as the terrorist regime quickly collapsed. This was the first military action of our declared war against worldwide terrorism.

We were truly honored in 2002 when a complement of US Army Rangers, representing the many deployed overseas, marched in the Dunwoody Salutes America Parade. People of all ages stood and cheered, often with tears in their eyes, as these brave men marched by. They became a visible reminder of the long line of veterans of conflicts, beginning with our revolution and extending to the present, who have borne the burden for us all so we could remain a free people. In 2003, the Rangers were joined by Army troops from Ft Stewart, Georgia. All these heroes, wearing their desert uniform, most having recently returned from combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan or both, added a unique perspective to our celebration.

Now comes the 2004 edition of the Dunwoody Salutes America Parade. How fitting that it is held on the birthday of the Declaration of Independence, the last in a series of special events: dedication of the World War II Memorial, Memorial Day, the death and funeral of President Ronald Reagan, Flag Day and Independence Day. All five events prominently featured the American flag. Whether the mood was one of grandeur or solemnity, humble devotion or chest-swelling pride, there was the flag of the United States of America, a constant reminder of the strength and endurance of our great nation. How fitting, then, that the theme of this year's parade is "Hooray for the Red, White and Blue."

The DHA and Crier Newspapers, co-sponsors of the parade, and the many volunteers who make the parade possible, ask that you give a special welcome to the Rangers, thank every veteran you meet for his or her service, and always treat our flag with respect by displaying it properly and proudly. God bless America.