The capital city of Vermont, Montpelier, or as it is sometimes affectionally called “Montpeculiar,” celebrates Independence Day on July 3rd so we don’t compete with the many other nearby towns wanting their own parades and fireworks. We are not the smallest of celebrations but we’d also never win a contest for the biggest. Given this is an election year, our Congressional delegation was prominent along with many State legislators and government officials. Add to that fun the local librarians pushing book carts, African dancers, honey bee fans, lots of folks on various kinds of bicycles, firetrucks, police cars, and tractors and, among others, a very large contingent demanding a cease fire in Gaza. A grand time was had by the many people who came in from the surrounding area to celebrate the day, ending with food, fireworks and a big dance party.
I know this holiday means many different things to many people. What I found remarkable—and honestly, easy to not even notice—was that it was civil. Thousands of people having good times celebrating with each other. Imagining the world being this way is as easy as a breeze in the leaves, don’t you think?
The contrast the next day as we sat enjoying the quiet of the neighborhood was shocking as we were overwhelmed by the horrific noise of two F-35s flying low over the city on their way to “entertain” the nearby July 4th parades. No doubt some who experienced this felt pride in America or merely marveled at the complex machines, but to me they were a terrifying reminder of the immense cost and obscene violence of what we mistakenly call “defense.” To date these weapons have cost two trillion dollars and counting. I feel less safe with them knowing they are part of a new arms race the world not only cannot afford but does not need. Yes, not all will agree with that. It is, however, one of many issues we need to talk about among a larger group than just the shareholders of the defense industry, perhaps while enjoying how remarkable life is.
Still Learning To See 
Thank you John
And, the contingent of members of the Montpelier Senior Activity center walking with the MSAC van.
Members of the Montpelier Senior Activity Center walked in the parade along with the new van for the first time since before the pandemic! I should say that, with a percussion group behind us, we “danced” in the parade – the whole way! We received a warm reception from the crowd.
Yes, a wonderful collection of what makes our town so special!
From my friend and fellow photographer and blogger (https://terryjallen.substack.com/), Terry Allen, who could not figure out how to post here:
“I tried to leave a comment and (like biden) was left sadly bewildered. anyway, I wanted to tell you how much I liked your most recent post about the parade. I too noted the civility that reigned that day and the wide variety of people. It was a lovely reminder of how good Vermont can be in a sea of quite cruel politics. As for your comments about the war planes flying over, thank you so much. It is not a popular opinion but I very much agree and very much appreciate your noting it.
Please keep up the blog. It is an excellent combination of photos and writing, and I will take it as an inspiration for my own attempts.”
Terry, you must know your blog is part of the inspiration for rejuvenating this one! Thank you.
Always enjoy your photos of the glorious natural words and and your thoughtful words.