Peace-full Independence Day, Friends!
For our third consecutive year, the Ojai Peace Coalition took to the streets to bring Peace, Justice, Sustainability, and Music! to the Independence Day parade in our beautifully hot valley. We were very few in number, but with a great message and great energy to carry us through...our community once again received us enthusiastically! (for those of you who have forgotten, one gentle-man reminded us to “Remember the Towers”)
This Coalition is not mine, and never has been; it belongs to our whole community. There are many people who support us from the sidewalks. There are some who support us with resources and energy. There are those who support us with their bodies. IT TOOK ALL THREE TO MAKE TODAY HAPPEN.
THANK YOU:
Dennis, for major support in rigging up and operating the music cart!
Jessie (and baby), for late-night sign making and organizational help and shuttle driving!
Peggy and Marty, for providing and operating the support vehicle!
Sally, for providing three of our beautiful flags!
Kris, for bringing our American flag and “pole-ing” the others!
Jeff and Bob, for melding with us and bringing new energy when their “Keep the Sespe Wild” entry had to bow out!
Julie, for bringing a World flag and some great after-parade music!
Laurel, for bringing ice and a helpful spirit!
Cheri, for the gift of water and a tow-able grandchild!
Coleen, for being part of the vehicle-team and for bringing Abby!
Abby, for being energetic and adorable!
Martha, for being determined to participate!
Micki, Pat, Nicole, Alex, Mikayla, Taylor, Eli, and Razzle, for coming such a long way and for wearing their best Peace gear!
Richard, for being an excited and joyful flag-bearer!
Tanya, for being a flag-bearer with happiness and grace!
Colby, for helping with sign-making in the park!
Eannah, for supplying us with flagpoles and love!
Liz, for such sweet presence and a cool peace umbrella!
Katherine, for banner-carrying and picture-taking!
Brooks, for projecting Peace and Safety on his scooter!
Les and Eric, for supporting us with signs!
Noel, for providing silent and clean electric energy to the music system!
Donna, Dallas, and Callie, for choosing Peace from their abundance of options!
Lily, for enthusiasm and determination to find us and participate!
Val, for doubling back to ride along with us!
I will guarantee you that i’ve omitted both some people and the ways in which they and others have helped. Please know that your contributions are not unrecognized and that your support is felt by us all.
Please write in with your experience of bringing Peace to the parade!
In Peace, Love, and Freedom!
-evan
(...and now on to the next important project: familyhood!)
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Comments (6)
I wish I could have seen it. Which brings to mind, a question, Wouldn't it be nice from time to time to post pictures of such events. When the Frosty was torn down, then the China Berry tree, I would have appreciated pictures. Again with the parade and those in the group that Evan and others symbolized something so positive, for me, and others away, pictures would be another affirmation of attachment to something dear in our lives. Just a thought.
Thanks to those who participated.
It is still raining and many are letting off fireworks here. Philadelphia's culture is so different than that of any place in the West and north that I've been. Fireworks are common place here. I see them every week about the neighborhood. Not the kind you get in Fillmore, but the professional standard. For those who never lived on the East Coast, you would go through a culture shock. I'll gladly talk of that another time. A nice day it was.
With rain on and off, it mattered not, for the holiday here is nigh to hallow in observance. Here, where people work hard and play hard, nothing gets in the way. The attitude here, though not stated, damn any and all obstacles, we get things done, be it for providence or for frivolity. I haven't met many who give in and or give up in there travel in life. Quite phenomenal when compared to my experiences elsewhere.
I hope the heat wasn't too bad for any in Ojai.
Peace, brotherly love and just plain goodbye.
Comment #1 Posted by: Dana and Alyeska | July 4, 2007 07:40 PM
Does anyone know when the parade will be on our local television channel?
Comment #2 Posted by: Isabella Valenzuela | July 4, 2007 08:00 PM
photos coming soon, Dana...
Comment #3 Posted by: Tyler | July 4, 2007 08:02 PM
didnt get to take any photos myself, but i have some coming. i'll get a good one inserted retroactively, perhaps.
i heard that the parade will play on Channel 10 on monday. it's usually playing over and over same day, but not this year for some reason.
Comment #4 Posted by: evan | July 4, 2007 08:57 PM
Very interesing pic looks like the tractor is now pulling the cart. The blinders must have fallen off the horse or something...
Comment #5 Posted by: Mike didj | July 4, 2007 09:12 PM
and thank YOU, evan!
Comment #6 Posted by: Sally | July 5, 2007 05:31 PM