Rain didn't spoil Wheaton's parade

As I write this letter, I am home drying out after watching the Wheaton Memorial Day Parade. It was just starting to sprinkle when I walked over to city hall, my perch for the morning. I met up with some friends and we chatted under a tree as it was really starting to come down and we were umbrella-less.

The parade began, the rains came down and my friends decided to go back home and I started back myself. Then as I watched the marchers carrying on, soaked to the skin, I decided to stay and watch.

It was a wonderful sight, the cherished veterans, the school bands all playing, the Cubs and Boy Scouts, the Brownies and the Girl Scouts and their leaders all soaking wet but carrying on. The music, the flags, the umbrellas, the plastic garbage bag rain shields, the loyal parade watchers were all doing their thing as usual.

I was reminded of a picture on Facebook of the guards marching in a rainstorm at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, who carry on no matter what the weather is day in and day out. Memorial Day is to honor our veterans who have served our country and today the city of Wheaton did that in fine fashion.

Mary Landreth

Wheaton