a big red parade
We had an exciting afternoon here in Tuvalu yesterday.
The Tuvalu National Highway/Department of Public Works put barricades at each street,
there were police officers everywhere and the fire departments of many neighboring villages assembled. With bag pipers.
It was the anniversary of the Tuvaluan Fire Fighters and there was a big celebration.
We didn't go across town to the party, but the parade passed right by our house.
To add to the excitement, our house was not only on the parade route, but our side yard was part of the staging area...
We had half a dozen trucks outside and these guys. Pipers! Warming up and standing with us in the shade before it was their turn to join the parade.
We offered them chips but it seems that corn meal isn't good if you're going to play pipes for a few miles.
We had a wonderful time hanging around with them.
At one point I went to the middle of the street to ask them about those little knives in their socks.
When the enemy has overtaken you, you slip the knife outta your sock and slit your own throat, I was told.
Sheesh.
I didn't get to see what they carry in their little bags.
Sufficiently prepped, we waited for the parade.
(Youngest joined us and, as you can see, is in full chip-eating mode.)
Finally, it began.
You've gotta love kids with axes. Unless they are in your living room.
Hundreds of officers in a sea of blue.
So. Many. Trucks.
So. Many. Firemen.
We clapped and clapped and clapped.
There was a police band.
And a Maritime band - they wore nifty hats.
But the best bands were, of course, the pipers.
Our pals went off to march.
Others passed by while we cheered.
Accessories were admired.
Great pipes were heard throughout the town.
There was much to admire.
We love us some breathing air.
What about the Not So Alert fire company?
Or the Kind Of Groggy fire company?
Middle suggests the Ready To Kick Some Ass fire company.
It doesn't matter what the company is called. They are all heroes to us.
The Tuvalu National Highway/Department of Public Works put barricades at each street,
there were police officers everywhere and the fire departments of many neighboring villages assembled. With bag pipers.
It was the anniversary of the Tuvaluan Fire Fighters and there was a big celebration.
We didn't go across town to the party, but the parade passed right by our house.
To add to the excitement, our house was not only on the parade route, but our side yard was part of the staging area...
We had half a dozen trucks outside and these guys. Pipers! Warming up and standing with us in the shade before it was their turn to join the parade.
We offered them chips but it seems that corn meal isn't good if you're going to play pipes for a few miles.
We had a wonderful time hanging around with them.
At one point I went to the middle of the street to ask them about those little knives in their socks.
When the enemy has overtaken you, you slip the knife outta your sock and slit your own throat, I was told.
Sheesh.
I didn't get to see what they carry in their little bags.
Sufficiently prepped, we waited for the parade.
(Youngest joined us and, as you can see, is in full chip-eating mode.)
Finally, it began.
You've gotta love kids with axes. Unless they are in your living room.
Hundreds of officers in a sea of blue.
So. Many. Trucks.
So. Many. Firemen.
We clapped and clapped and clapped.
There was a police band.
And a Maritime band - they wore nifty hats.
But the best bands were, of course, the pipers.
Our pals went off to march.
Others passed by while we cheered.
Accessories were admired.
Great pipes were heard throughout the town.
There was much to admire.
We love us some breathing air.
What about the Not So Alert fire company?
Or the Kind Of Groggy fire company?
Middle suggests the Ready To Kick Some Ass fire company.
It doesn't matter what the company is called. They are all heroes to us.
Comments
"unless they're in your living room" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Youngest looks wonderful and was that your new empire dress? v. cute. :)
What a lovely parade, boy that was a LOT of firemen!
There used to be a piper who would practice every evening in the park behind our house. It was a nice way to wind up the day.
I think they keep their keys and cell phones in the sporrans. No pockets in a kilt, dontcha know.
Very fun parade, tho. Thanks for sharing.
And what about what they're wearing (or not) under those skirts ;) ;)
And the bagpipes?
Oh how I adore thee.
(One day I shall share with you the crush on a boy who lived on my street and played in his school's bagpipe band/ensemble)
I'm dying of curiosity...
I think firemen are complete heroes - I'm glad they had a day to celebrtate themselves.
They're filled with solid heavy things to protect the wearer's naughty bits. It's true, I saw it on the Travel Channel.
Notice where they are worn. If you get to protect one thing on you, if you're a man, that's what you protect.