A parade on my birthday

Today is my birthday, and it is also Alaska Day. What does that mean? Well, it means that I get a parade on my birthday. You know, a parade is usually reserved for those most important dates that need to be remembered. Hey, what can I say?!! If they want to celebrate me, who am I to say no thanks? haha



Anyway, ''Alaska Day'' is a legal holiday for the state of Alaska, observed on October 18. It is the anniversary of the formal transfer of the Territory of Alaska from Russia to the United States which took place at a flag-raising ceremony at Fort Sitka on October 18, 1867. Sitka is the only town in Alaska that celebrates, as far as I know. There is a huge town turnout for the parade, with many groups marching in it.



Today, Andrew was able to participate with his Cub Scout pack. He thought that was pretty cool to be "in" the parade! The girls and I were with the Sitka Mountain Rescue team. There is a ton of support for the SAR team in this town so there were plenty of cheers and clapping and smiles. Troy had duty so he got to be at work supervising the flights - they did a three helo fly-over at the beginning of the parade and of course, the SAR demo.



Here are a few pictures of the parade. Since I was in it, I could only get pictures of the groups around us. Uncle Jake, there is a picture in there for you!! You won't miss it!



Enjoy the slide show.





Coast Guard helicopter fly-over - always an awesome sight and sound!!

Karen, Summit, and Megan in the patient trailer.

Nelly - Mountain Rescue tech in training

Andrew with his Cub Scout pack

Re-enactors of the Formal Transfer of Alaska from Russia

Piper would rather be working than marching!!

This one's for you Uncle Jake!! You make us proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, yes, my cool teapot I got from Troy for my birthday!!

And my yummy cake!! With PLENTY left over.