By LAURA QUEZADA News Review Staff Writer – On Saturday, September 7, join in marching in the Parade of 1,000 Flags or show your support by lining the streets as the parade marches by. If you still need to sign up to march in the Parade of 1,000 Flags, do not worry; you can show up at 8:30 am at the staging area on China Lake Boulevard at the Sierra Lanes parking lot. After you register, you will be given an American flag. Bring the entire family; small flags will be provided for the children. “Please don’t bring your flags. We will provide all the flags,” reminds organizer Scott O’Neil, Executive Director of the Indian Wells Valley Economic Development Corporation.
At the parade’s staging area, “There will be volunteers in bright colored vests that you can ask for information,” says O’Neil. The volunteers can help you find your group or join one.
The parade marches down China Lake Boulevard and turns on California Avenue, ending at Freedom Park, where 1,000 flags will be planted and remain for a week. There will be a short program.
This is an opportunity to join your community in honoring and remembering those who lost their lives on 9/11 and our military and first responders who heroically ran towards danger to protect public safety.
Parade organizer Patricia Farris, Publisher of The News Review, speaks from her heart when she says, “The parade is particularly important for our children. They may not remember what was said, but they will remember how they felt when they heard the patriotic songs sung and played by the band. They will remember their sense of community while carrying flags with their teachers and classmates, law enforcement, firefighters and Navy brass, and the military in dress uniform.
“They will be surrounded by hundreds from this community marching under the same banner. The banner represents our freedom and reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in this country. They will take pride in their community and become better citizens with this experience.
“Don’t forget to bring the children to the Candlelight Vigil on the evening of 9-11. They are too young to remember 9-11, but they will be impressed by the sacrifices made by our first responders. As they light the candles, they will also enter into the memory of the lives of those who were lost on 9-11 as part of our history. Standing there holding lighted candles while taps are being played is a sobering experience.
“The Parade of 1,000 Flags sets this community apart. We are a community with a strong sense of mission. You will want to be a part of this event.”
