What a parade on the Fourth of July

William H. Westhoff
Published: July 8, 2008

For months the Dale City Civic Association Parade Committee planned, staffed, organized, directed and controlled the creation of this beautiful display of Americana. Young and old, marchers and
observers from all races, colors, creeds, ethnicities, orientations, etc. etc. made up the parade and made it great.

Everyone brought something unique to the parade fulfilling its theme “America the Beautiful.” Senators, delegates, U.S. Senate candidates, supervisors, mayors, sheriffs, police, fire and rescue, air med-
evac, mass transit and our neighborhood library personnel and volunteers started and ended the parade and family fun day activities. There was a near endless review of veteran groups such as the VFW,
American Legion, Purple Heart, Vietnam and disabled veterans participating. Community businesses, such as Commerce Bank, Naval Federal Credit Union, McDonalds, 7-Eleven, Outback, Pitkins, Old
Mine Farm with it’s ponies and petting animals and so many others, filled the ranks of supporters and marchers. 

The wonderful depth of community was seen in the great diversity of religious groups that marched, floated and sang. Youth group marchers inspired everyone with their creative activities, including
scouting, amazing gymnastics, cheerleading, fastball pitching and overall amazing vitality.  And when you thought you had seen and heard everything, along came the marching bands from Gar-Field and
Hylton high schools. If that did not awe you then the Hot Rods and PT Cruisers, loud motorcycle groups and fantastic vintage cars were there to wake you up. 

Of course, what would the day be without the little children with their eyes wide open, pointing and calling out to each amazing thing happening about them. They were the best of the parade.

Thanks to Irene Dell and Dr. Ruth Baxter for stepping forward to coordinate this “America the Beautiful” parade and family fun day, and thanks to Ernestine Jenkins, the parade chairman, for being the
driving force that inspired, encouraged and led this Fourth of July parade. These ladies formed the parade and made the day.

WILLIAM H. WESTHOFF

Woodbridge