Sandy Can’t Stop the Greatest Generation

14 Nov veterans parade 299

     

     New Yorkers have always had a tough as nails reputation. That take no bull attitude has always set us apart from any other great city in this nation. New Yorkers have been through plenty of adversity throughout the years and the storm of the century just added to the list. Yes, many Staten Islanders are suffering and many that live by the coastal sections lost everything. Sandy was the Big One people had been talking all about for years and she hit us hard. But catastrophic events like this help bring people together not tear them apart.  Nearly two weeks after Sandy wrecked havoc in New York and New Jersey, people were ready to cheer about something as the 93rd edition of the largest Veteran’s Day Parade in the country was set to kick off at the start of the parade route on 23rd St. and 5th Ave. This year’s Grand Marshall was no other than the  Honorable former Mayor Ed Koch.   Who else can have a bridge named after him while he’s still alive. Mayor Koch is about as New York as you can get. After the Honorable current Mayor Bloomberg made his way up the parade route to the cheers of the crowd, the fun really started for all those waiting on a warm Sunday afternoon on 5th Ave.

   

   

      This year, parade organizers decided to honor the Navajo Code Talkers who were so instrumental in WWII.  The Navajo Code Talkers were young Navajo men who transmitted secret communications on the battlefields of WWll. “At a time when America’s best known cryptographers were falling short, these modest sheepherders and farmers were able to fashion the most ingenious and successful codes in military history. They drew upon their proud warrior tradition to brave the dense jungles of Guadalcanal and the exposed beachheads of Iwo Jima,” according to their website. Another group that was honored were the service dogs of many breeds all throughout the many wars this country has been involved in.   The most recent military dog to be honored will be Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, who parachuted with the Navy SEAL team into the Bin Laden compound in Pakistan where he alerted his companions to the movements of people around the compound. His work aided in the killing of the notorious terrorist.

     

     The first of the Armed Forces to march their way up the parade route was the Army Battalion soon followed by the Marine Corps. Good thing they were a good distance apart; they never have anything good to say about each other. Veteran’s Day Parade draws some of the better bands in the country to show off their skills and the Prospect Marching Knights from Mount Prospect, Illinois got the crowd really worked up. One of largest participants with over 700 marchers were the Wounded Warrior Project carrying the largest American flag of the parade. Their float had a simple motto: Mission: to honor and empower wounded warriors. Then the part that everyone waited for…a chance to thank and praise the Veterans. The first group was part of the Greatest Generation from World War II. School aged children carried large pictures of veterans in honor of the Spirit of ’45. A float carried some of the remaining WWII vets as they waved to the applauding crowd. The next group of vets came from the Korean War and they were accompanied by Korean veterans that served. Even a group of Korean marchers and dancers helped keep the celebration moving in high gear. In between groups of vets came more Armed Forces as the Navy and Air Force marched without so much as a grin but the crowd just loved it. The next group of vets were from the Vietnam War. The crowd gave them the applause and honor they didn’t get when they returned from half way around the globe back in the 70s when Nixon ended the war. The show stealer this year surprisingly had to be the  Coast Guard. Their marching band and uniforms were the envy of the parade.  They were warming things up for the last group of vets known as the Next Greatest Generation from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and yes they were by far the loudest.  The great work of Operation Mend was on display for all to see. This group helps mend soldiers burned in the line of duty. The crowd was treated to a trio of  lively USO singers. Every year a different band is requested to play at the parade by Mayor Bloomberg and this years group came in from Portsmouth in the UK.  They were really good.

     

     This year, the veterans asked people to bring coats and other clothing to be donated to the people most affected by the devastating storm Sandy. Plenty of people I know were inconvenienced with the loss of power or having to wait long hours to get gasoline. But when you measure that against what some of these men and women went through in the battlefields in Europe, or in Korea or Vietnam or in the deserts of Iraq or Afghanistan, it really pales in comparison. These men and women were along way from home never knowing if they would ever come back; many miles away to protect our freedom from the forces that wish to destroy it. Long live the red, white and blue.

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Happiness All Around at the Bolivian Parade in Queens

22 Oct

   

      Parades in the outer boroughs are lots of fun. Not only do you get to see national pride and tradition passed on to the next generation, but there’s always a good chance you can eat some great ethnic food. Jackson Heights in Queens is probably the most diverse neighborhood in the outer boroughs and host to the second annual Bolivian Parade.  This was the last of the ethnic parades for the year and it was celebrated with lots of traditional costumes, lots of energetic dancing and plenty of happiness to share.  It may have been the best of all the smaller ethnic parades.  Once the parade banner and VIPs marched up the parade route on 37th Ave. the first of many costumed marchers and dancers arrived. Getting the crowd really worked up were the tribal Indian representation in Pasion Boliviana. They were great to see. One of the better dance groups to arrive were the Caporales San Simon NY.  Their well choreographed  dance routine got loud applause from the crowd. Soon to follow were their counterparts from Caporales San Simon Virginia in their elaborate costumes and dance. It’s true that smiling is very contagious and it could be seen from the happiness coming from the dancers to the crowd watching. This year’s parade included more children in costumes than last year’s. It is always a nice thing to see tradition passed down to the next generation.

     A more cultural display came when Incallajta arrived with a different display of costume. It must have been difficult for some of the marchers to walk in those shoes. A nice treat was the masquerading marchers of Exaltacion. They were quickly followed by the group Morenada Cocanis with their distinguished slow dance steps. Probably saving the best for last were the Caporales San Simon NY. They were amazing. Even a beauty queen had to get in line and dance with them. Closing out the fine parade were Morenada Central NY with their guest of honor surrounded by ladies tempting him. Much of the crowd left with seeing a grand display of Bolivian culture and tradition not seen in too many places in the USA. I hope the young parade grows into the largest of it’s kind in the country. It really is a special treat to anyone not familiar with Bolivian culture.

Que Viva Bolivia!!!

Hispanics Unite for One Great Parade

16 Oct

It’s not too often that about 19 different countries are represented for one day in  a display of culture and tradition. New York City is one of the few cities that can pull it off in grand style. The warm mid October day brought out nearly one million people to 5th Ave. to see the 49th annual Hispanic Day Parade.  Flags of all Latin American countries were displayed on the parade route from 44th St. to 68th  St. and spectators cheered on as their country of origin marched by or danced in most cases. As a show of unity, the Mother Cabrini marching band carried all the flags of Latin America to kick off the parade. The Honorable Mayor Bloomberg marched to show his support for all the immigrants that now call New York their home. Kicking off the first of many groups were the Spaniards and their flamenco dancers and bagpipe marchers. It’s really a treat to see them every year. As by design in alphabetical order, the first on Latin countries was Argentina showing off their old style cars and singers. The tango dancers must have caught a break this year. Then the fun really started when the first of many Bolivian dancers made their way up the parade route. The San Simon Caporales got the crowd excited with their energetic dance moves and great costumes. Chilean dancers showed off their style of dancing with guacho outfits for the men and evening gowns for the ladies. It was almost a waltz like dance with waving handkerchiefs. Very classy. However, the elegant dancing quickly changed when the Colombians made their way up 5th Ave. Their loud costumes and loud music let everyone know the party starts here and the crowd just loved it.

Toning things down temporarily were the Costa Ricans and Cubans with their display of fine horses and beauty queens. Then the Dominican diablos cracked their whips to pick up the pace again. One of the more energetic dance groups came from Ecuador. They really worked up a sweat. One of the better bands came from the group representing El Salvador but they just warmed things up this years winner of the best representation of culture, the group from Guatemala. Their marching band was on point with soilders doing a unique march. A float with musicians playing the vibes masterfully was a nice touch. Their display of traditional dress and costume gave a unique addition to their presentation.   Conga players were jamming when the Hondurans came up singing and dancing to native songs. The energy level kept going on high when the Mexican Chilenos showed up and danced their tails off. The serious baseline could only mean one thing, the Panamanians were next. They love their bands and had some the best bands and baton twirlers I have seen at any parades this year. They were a joy to watch. Paraguay had an unusual display of balance as several dancers had a few glass bottles resting on their heads. Leading the way with some really good dance moves was the group from Peru showing off several different styles of dance. A definite crowd pleaser was the group from Uruguay with their conga drum band and dancing ladies. Rounding out the great display Hispanic culture and tradition came the small group from Venezuela.

By far the largest representation came from the Bolivians. They were so large many of their marchers had to be placed in between other countries marchers and towards the end of the parade. There was no doubt each of the countries representatives made their people proud and surely reminded them of the beauty of their native land. Hispanics are very diversified yet united by one common language. Their place in this city and this country is slowly but surely rising to prominence. Mark your calendar for next year’s 50th anniversary parade celebration. It’s sure to be one of the best the city offers.

LATINOS UNIDOS PARA PAZ Y PROSPERIDAD.

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Panamanian Bands Rule the Parade

10 Oct

    

     Franklin Ave. in Brooklyn has been changing over the years with new chic and trendy shops popping up here and there. One thing that I hope won’t change is the annual Panamanian parade where marching bands come up from parts of the USA and from Panama. A visit to Franklin Ave. wouldn’t be the same without stopping at Kelso’s for some delicious Panamanian food  to enjoy. The loud banging of the drumline and the blaring trumpets called everyone within hearing distance to come out and celebrate Panmanian pride and culture. The Panamanian Veterans Marching Band started the parade off dressed in their sharp blue and white uniforms and soon followed by community groups. It’s always great to see the tradition and culture passed on from generation to generation. Ballet Folklorico had the cutest kids dressed in their polleras while the adult ladies showed off the intricate dresses. Then the crowd was treated to El Hogar Banda from Panama. They were very good and were soon followed by a group dancing to typical Panamanian music and a float with the beauty queen in a highly decorated costume.

     The best part of the parade started when the marching band from Maryland made their way up the parade route followed colorful costumes of the Ballet Folklorico Panamena. Arguably the best band to appear was the Banda Christana with their skillful baton twirlers and energetic drummers and bugle corp. They crowd loved them. Closing out the parade was the local pride of Brooklyn. The Panamanian Drum and Bugle Corp.  It was tough to say which one was better since they were both excellent and well rehearsed. The end of the parade route was by a local school were the parade VIPs were on stage and the different bands performed for them. That was a lot of fun. As I made my way towards Eastern Parkway, the aroma of good food was all over the place. Everyone there was ready for the after parade party festivities…the good food and good music and good times.

             Que Viva Panama!!!

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Hi Steppers Show Some Swag In Harlem

19 Sep

    

      Technology is great when it can bridge the old and the new together. This past Sunday I was looking for parking in Harlem and I had my smartphone locked in Tune In Radio and playing it over the car speakers a little louder than normal. There’s a UK station, Stomp radio, that plays soulful house music that keep you moving. I was getting into a house groove when the I Have A Dream speech was laced over a new track. It couldn’t have been more fitting as I was getting ready for the 43rd annual African American Day Parade on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.  I was born just a few days after the most famous speech of the 20th century and have always used it as a guiding principle. Walking over towards the parade route, I noticed the revitalization in pockets of Harlem but there’s still a long way to go…much like in this country. In the back of my mind, I wondered how Dr. King would have liked to see the community celebrate the culture, music and food. As always for this parade, those that have recently passed are remembered on a float with tombstones before the rest of the marchers make their way up the parade route to 133rd St. The crowd was then treated to the marching band from Cheney University, the nation’s oldest historically Black institution of higher education. This years parade Grand Marshalls included  David Paterson, David Dinkins,  Rev. Al Sharpton , Dr. Adelaide Sanford , Congressman Charles Rangel,  William Thompson and Lillian Roberts.

     One of the best things to see in this parade is the community all gets together to put out the word of constructive meaningful causes. Higher education, social services, voter registration, labor unions are all important in keeping the community together and helping to make a meaningful contribution. The Camden HS Marching Band helped the crowd get ready for the many groups of hi steppers from Baltimore, Maryland. Dynasty Marching Unit kicked it off but the were quickly outclassed by the Baltimore Westsiders Marching Band. Holding their own was some local talent in the Approaching Storm High Stepping Marching Band from Brooklyn.  One of the best treats came from the Local Union 11 99 SEIU float with guest band GQ playing some classic hits. The marchers showed their support for Barack Obama with creative tshirts and banners and often chanting 4 more years or  chanting Obama….Obama…Obama.  Doug E Fresh showed up on the turntables and get the crowd worked up. Many other high steppers arrived from Baltimore and locally. The Baltimore GoGetters were really good. Closing out the parade as they do every year was a treat for young and old alike. The black Cowboys and Cowgirls showed their horse tricks to the crowd and let the young kids touch the horses. All in all it was a good parade for all those of all nationalities and races that made their way to Harlem. Looking at the crowd one got a sense of togetherness and unity. Yes, Dr. King would have smiled.

    

Germans Raise Their Steins on the Steuben Day Parade

18 Sep German Singers

  The end of summer in the city usually means an end to a busy season and ushering in the start of the fall months. A chill in the air and brisk wind certainly made the day feel as it was mid October and it may have added to the excitement building up on 5th Ave. and 49th St. where the 55th annual Steuben Parade was getting ready to kick off. The parade culminates a week-long of festivities all throughout the city. As I was waiting for the parade to make its way up to 79th St. by the reviewing stand, a bystander asked why it was the German Parade and not the Italian or Irish Parade..ugghhh…newbie… so I had to explain the parade is to honor German culture but more importantly to remember the contributions of General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben to the young nation of America. What surprised me even more was the young that asked was of German heritage and didn’t know about Steuben. I told her to stick around because the German bands that come in to perform are really good and might remind her of the Motherland.    After the honorable Mayor Bloomberg marched on by with parade organizers and dignitaries, the first of the German bands appeared in Fueuerwerkapelle Vorden. They were very good but not to be outdone by the band from Wurrtemberg.

     Every parade has a life of its own and some are more subdued than others. The Germans tend to politely applaud the marching bands and costumed marchers. Once in a while someone will yodel and get a nice response from the crowd. One of the more lively floats was from Zum Stammtisch with a fun song for folks to clap their hands to and get pumped up. The timing could not have been any better because they were followed by a float of lovely ladies and beer…nice combination. Speaking of combinations, the crowd was treated to a German band from Melle and a visiting band from Missouri called New Melle. One of the best costumed marchers from the Revolutionary Era were the Ehrengarde Marching band soon followed by another German band from Bakum.  A crowd favorite is the Volkswagon Club from Long Island with their classic Beetle. A new participant to the parade was the Aqua Marching band from Philadelphia with their crazy costumes and happy songs that got the crowd worked up.  Hope they return next year  as they were a special treat. A group that makes heads turn all the time are the winners of the longest beards and mustaches. Saving the best band for last were the band from Florsheim. They were the creme de la creme and showed everyone why they were the best band at the parade. All in all it was a fun parade with a fine display of German culture, music and costume. Most of the  crowd gathered in Central Park for the annual Oktoberfest and drink lots of beer and eat and dance their tails off for some fun times.

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A Call For Unity at the West Indian Day Parade

4 Sep Colorful marcher

    

     Once you turned any corner on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn this past Labor Day, you were hit with the scent of spicy foods, jerk chicken, roti and lots of other delicious foods. Kiosks were set up with vendors selling foods, flags, and fruits all along the Parkway. It’s a marvelous sight seen only once a year when people of all the West Indie nations come out to celebrate with lots of music, dance, amazing costumes and lots of representation of the culture. This the city’s largest parade and with over 2 million revelers and marchers expected on the parade route, it’s truly an experience to be had at least once in your lifetime. The crowd was starting to get thicker around noon just at the start of the parade when the NYPD Band broke out the steel drums and  got the huge party started. You just knew this was going to be a special day when none other than the King of Calypso, Harry Belafonte, the parade Grand Marshall saluted the crowd as he made his way to meet Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Local politicians greeted the crowd and most the times it’s not really that interesting but one particular display stood out. A banner designed by Yves Rene with all the flags of the Caribbean nations and the motherland flag of Africa in the center called for unity among the various nations. In unity there is strength and hopefully that message thrives and might spark more interest in a fresh movement to bring all the people of the Caribbean together.  But for now the party was just getting started and after the politicos passed on by the fun really started when a group from Dominica marched up in costume followed by a lively marching band.

     The first of many tractor trailers filled with monster speakers and deejays was from 2K12 The Rebirth with lots of masqueraders and a large crowd following. They got the crowd worked up and ready to dance. Some folks jumped over the iron guard railing to join in the fun and dance to their favorite songs. If you have been to this parade before, it is truly one of the most unique parades in NYC. Other than amazing costumes and great music, it’s the only parade where you can hop over the fence and dance with one group until the end of the parade route then hop on a train and go back to Utica Ave. where the parade starts and do it all over again. Only in NY…only in Brooklyn.  This year the spacing of the monster trucks was good enough so the music did not drown out the others. Kaios International Mas had a nice representation of masqueraders but the Phoenix Boomstation had their people dancing wildly. Not to be outdone was Ramajay Mas but the show stealers were the stilt walkers and incredible dancers from Dugolay visiting from Massachusetts. They tore it up. As the dancers and masqueraders made their way to the reviewing stand by the Brooklyn Museum and show their dance moves to the judges, most of the crowd took in the festivities with great pride and love for thier country. One group that really shook up the crowd were the NYC Freaks and they did live up to their name. Crowd control is always an issues especially when about 2 million people are having a great time. Props definitely go out to the NYPD for responding quickly whenever there were any disturbances.  To close out the celebration were some of the more elaborate costumes I have ever seen. It must have taken months to get the costumes ready. And one quick note, the Haitian Digitel truck was late again and didn’t make it down the parade route and had to turn off on Bedford Ave. as the sanitation trucks beat them to the spot. A little earlier next time guys. They have one of the best trucks and the best music in the parade and lots of people didn’t  get to see them this year. But from what the crowd did get to see, it was up to this point the best parade of the city this year.

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