The Kirkland Fourth of July parade holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Prior to the birth of the city parade, longtime Kirkland resident, Mel Hogsett organized a 7th Avenue West parade for kids. Although Mel is no longer with us, I know he would be delighted to see how that parade has grown and now leads the bigger city parade every July 4.
The first Kirkland City parade in 2000 we gathered the kids at the tennis courts on Market Street, who were on bikes, skateboards, in costume, strollers etc. and it was a wonderful beginning to what we know now as the Celebrate Kirkland Fourth of July Parade.
I was invited to coordinate the kid’s part of the parade that first year and I pushed my daughter Aubri in her stroller, with a sign attached that said “Proud daughter of a Korean War Veteran.” There were no other visible signs of veterans in our parade.
And that was the spark that started in my heart to help encourage veterans to be a part of our parade in 2001. Thanks to Councilwoman Penny Sweet and her posse of parade volunteers extraordinaire, of which I’m proud to be one for the 13th year, our big parade now begins with a moving, patriotic entrance with our veterans waving to a cheering, appreciative parade crowd.
It was my father’s love of country, history and strong respect for all of the U.S. military personnel that has been behind my dedication to set this day aside and honor our service men and women.
The difficult part is that many of my veteran friends are not around from one year to the next. The happy part is that the parade is such a joyful highlight in their lives, a memory is created, which they will never forget.
This year I would like to dedicate the veteran’s part of the parade to Joe Regan, who passed away March 21. Joe was in the parade the past 11 years. He was an Airman and WWII POW, liberated by General George Patton April 29, 1945 from Stalag 7A. Joe, with the support of his wonderful wife Kay of 66 years, will be greatly missed.
Each of us has a story. Each veteran has a story. Let them be a part of yours, by celebrating the Fourth of July in Kirkland.
Maureen Baskin is the chair of the veterans’ events for the Fourth of July in Kirkland.
