It's 4th July, so-called Independence Day, when citizens everywhere celebrate the ill-thought-out decision to throw off the oppressive English yoke and strike out as their own country. How has that worked out for y'all?
Pretty well, it seems, given the sea of red, white and blue that greeted us at the Pleasant Hill 4th of July Parade (yep, they even stole the Union Jack's colours when they left). Like other parades we've been to, this one featured a long line of city council members, park managers, etc. driving by and waving to everyone. Then there were the marching bands and majorettes, the swim teams, the church groups, the Contra Costa Parents of Multiples pushing their double and triple strollers. But the highlight for me was the Citizen of the Year. What are the criteria, and where do you enter? I have a new ambition.
I didn't know this many people lived in Pleasant Hill.
Uncle Sam is in attendance.
The Mayor and the First Family. California budget cuts mean they have to travel everywhere by bicycle.
What's the secret, Tim?
The best-organised marching band.
It's the bin men, on a beautifully restored 1920s garbage truck. Unfortunately, someone has thrown away the earth.
I flew the flag for another nation held in long oppression under the English.
They even let the seniors out for the day. They're flying the 230+ year old Betsy Ross flag; someone really should tell them the American Revolution has finished.
I have no idea what these people are, or why.
There was a very fine selection of patriotic outfits, but my natural British politeness held me back from asking people if I could take their photos. So I just did it sneakily when they weren't looking. Here is a great example that does not link patriotism and militarism at all.
Patriots beget patriots.
This woman is pretending the bald eagle has landed on her wrist! Which you shouldn't attempt without proper protection.
Berkeley-style.
Doggie-style.
And what says USA better than an eating competition?
I'll tell you what: patriotically-themed vodka imported from Sweden!
The only red, white and blue that really matters.
Later we attended a traditional 4th July barbecue over the road, hosted by Dwight and Santi. Except it wasn't that traditional, as British, French, Angolan, Indonesian, etc. outnumbered Yanks by around 2:1.
Patriotic cutlery!
My self-constructed black'n'blue burger.
Second go at flag waving. Hey, it's red, white and blue, and from America!
Later we attended a traditional 4th July barbecue over the road, hosted by Dwight and Santi. Except it wasn't that traditional, as British, French, Angolan, Indonesian, etc. outnumbered Yanks by around 2:1.
Patriotic cutlery!
Where there is a grill, there are men.
My self-constructed black'n'blue burger.
Second go at flag waving. Hey, it's red, white and blue, and from America!
