Commentary; Posted: 7/24/02

Legion explains July 4th parade planning, thanks school music directors

Barb Olson
Guest Columnist

Terry Anderson recently wrote a letter to the editor expressing concern about the Fourth of July paradeís lack of bands and that the Forest Lake High School Band did not participate. I would like to explain American Legion Post 225ís planning process for the parade.

First, how the process works. Every year, right after the celebration, the parade committee and post officers review what occurred during the celebration. What was good and not so good and changes to make it better for next year.

Secondly, we normally have parade invitations out by Dec. 1 each year. This includes 30 bands and with more community celebrations today than ever before, the competition is fierce. All bands charge us a fee to attend with the exception of the Forest Lake bands and in order for us to commit to paying their fee we must have city permits and approval for a carnival location and dates.

If this process is delayed we tend to lose some bands due to our inability to commit to their fees and they go to another community event. We know we could use more bands and we will continue to strive to achieve that goal.

In fact, however, for the 2003 celebration if we do not secure permits and a location for a carnival, we will be unable to provide any celebration for the community. Because of downtown redevelopment, we do not expect the Lakeside Memorial Park municipal parking lot to be available for the carnival in 2003.

Yes, we need more financial support from businesses and the community for the parade and fireworks. The American Legion not only pays for the parade and fireworks, but also does all the work to perform the events.

We have a great bunch of Legionnaire, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion members and many others who do the work at no cost. My thanks to all of you and we also want to thank all who donated help with the 2002 celebration.

I also want to thank the Forest Lake combined Junior High School Band and the senior high band (students and directors) who over the years have given us all some great entertainment.

Yes, the high school band wasnít in the parade the last two years, but we donít blame the band, as it was the school districtís budget.

We have a great relationship with the Forest Lake school district and with band director Richard Hahn. He has been great to work with ever since he came to Forest Lake. He provides music and buglers every Memorial Day for the program at the city park and at the cemeteries.

The band and chorus under the direction of Hahn and Jim Lindstrom provided wonderful entertainment for the Desert Storm program and the World War II 50th anniversary commemorative celebration at our post for veterans and their families. The high school band also performed in American Legion State Convention parades drawing accolades for our youth and our community.

There were two years when the band went to our Nationís Capitol to march in the National Independence Day Parade. On both occasions we were consulted before hand and planned accordingly. Both times they went they asked our Post 225 Color Guard to march with them and one year five of our volunteers went and marched in the parade with the band (at their own expense) and were very proud to do so.

As a point of information, some of you might remember the Korean War (1950-1953) and it is now 50 years later and we are commemorating this nationís history during 2002-2003. The finale to this historical event is Nov. 11, 2003 (Veterans Day) and prior to Mr. Andersonís letter to the editor, Mr. Hahn and Mr. Lindstrom made a commitment to be part of this celebration.

So please, donít be critical of these community oriented leaders and teachers. Our thanks to both of them for their past and future efforts.

I invite anyone who has a positive idea or suggestion to make this celebration better to please call me (651-464-5769 or 651-464-2600).

Iím proud to live in the Forest Lake area where community spirit and patriotism is always present. I am looking forward to our 79th year of sponsoring this celebration and I remain proud to be an American.

Writer Barb Olson is commander of American Legion Post 225 and the 2002 parade chair. She lives in Columbus Township.

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