INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
“You’re A Grand Old Scholar”:
Written by: Ethan Morgan and Lila Burke
“We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal and their endowed by their creator certain unalienable rights, among these Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”
Do you ever wonder that if, on a sweltering Philadelphia night, 249 years ago when Thomas Jefferson was writing the most consequential words in human history, he envisioned a bucolic Independence day parade in Murray, KY with a group of scholars kazooing patriotic tunes (albeit not in tune) up and down the historic streets?
The Lines of scholars, kazoos in hand, rivaled the pictures of the minute men equipped with muskets in their hand. With a Spirit of 76’ in the scholar’s lungs they began to warm for the grueling two mile march on the parade route through the town of Murray. The Scholars were flanked by VFW Veterans in Floats and Scooters, and Classic Cars, Souped up Trucks, and Mules carrying 19th Century Wagons. The streets themselves were surprisingly packed, with citizens of Murray sitting in lawn chairs on the berm, on the curb, on their stupes and balconies. Stars and Stripes were waving gallantly against the clear blue skies, and the sun radiated that all too familiar feeling of summer, and Freedom was most definitely in the air.
This Small town Parade has been an Americana staple for years ever since President John Adams instructed Americans on how to celebrate Independence Day, as a grand celebration marked by “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations,” according to a letter he wrote to Abigail Adams. He believed it should be commemorated with “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty,” and that future generations would celebrate it as a “great anniversary Festival”. These words have been taken to heart by the gracious and welcoming residents of Murray, KY. The Parade was a new experience for many Scholars involved. Many come from large cities such as Lexington and Louisville, where Independence Day celebrations aren’t a staple for Downtown activities, at least not one with a homey feel to it.
The Scholars comprised four different Focus Groups: Music Theory, Psychology, Philosophy, and Journalism. They were tasked with mastering the tunes of “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, and “My Old Kentucky Home”, which they composed with a smile. Each Focus Area also had its own reason for attending. Music Theory was quite obvious: to lend their musical talents to the Parade Effort. Philosophy and Psychology were less obvious, but their intent was to try a new experience and break out of their comfort zone, while Ethan Morgan and Lila Burke represented Journalism, to interview attendees and talents, while also documenting the day, although they may or may not have joined in for a few licks of ‘My Old Kentucky Home’.
All in all, the parade was yet again one of the best ways and traditions to celebrate the freedom of our country. This event would not be what it is without the people who show up and show out to make it the best it can be. It’s like Mr. Rogers, the conductor of the kazoo band and partner with GSP for over 20 years, himself said “[It’s]… Very special to think of all of the kids from across the state binding together to just do this little thing…it’s outstanding!” The importance of the event wasn’t lost on the scholars performing either, whether in Music or Philosophy. Patriotism was in Ali, a fellow scholar here at Murray GSP in the Philosophy Focus Area: he found the significance in the cross over, “[The]…greatest country in the world was built of Philosophy, the likes of Plato, Aristotle to Locke and Montesquieu… led to the greatest country on the dang planet.” And if the parade was not a big enough sign that patriotism and love for the country is well within the hearts of its citizens, then nothing else is.
