A different drum

Suzie Harrison

Under azure skies with a slight breeze, it was a setting plucked out

of a John Falter or Norman Rockwell painting.

Families and friends gathered together, lined up on the sidewalks,

sitting on towels and blankets, some waving their flags, many wearing

red, white and blue. It wasn’t the Fourth of July -- Saturday marked

the 38th Patriots Day Parade.

Every year, the parade is a little different, but the spirit

remains the same. This year’s theme was “Freedom is Not Free,” which

honored many of the 100 organizations participating.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center, formerly known as Friends of the Sea

Lion, had its mascot Sammy the sea lion decked out in full Statue of

Liberty attire, and sitting right beside him was Uncle Sam. Education

director Beate Litz said they look forward to Patriots Day every

year.

“It’s a time when we can gather with the children in our program

to not only celebrate marine mammals, but to celebrate America,” Litz

said.

Kristen Sedlock, who also assists with the center’s education

program, said it’s a great day for the community to come together and

honor the nation and those protecting it.

“We represent two American icons [the Statue of Liberty and Uncle

Sam] that represent liberty and freedom,” Sedlock said. “Our Kid’s

Club kids helped us pick these out. They are kind of the embodiment

of the Patriots Day Parade.”

The Boys and Girls Club kids of Laguna gathered behind their

banner to march. It was 9-year-old Diana Necula’s first time in the

parade.

“I think it’s really cool to march and go in the parade ... and

all these people watching you,” Diana said. “The Boys and Girls Club

is really helpful for my parents and me ... it’s great with a really

good staff.”

Fellow first-time marcher Lola Cowlie, 8, was excited to be a part

of the parade representing the organization.

“The Boys and Girls Club is a great place for all of us because

they take such good care of us, so our parents don’t have to worry,”

Lola said.

A group of local peace activists marched in the parade for the

first time. Decked out with peace signs, they were greeted with a

barrage of applause.

Laguna resident Stuart Bloom said he was emotional about the

Laguna peace vigil participating in the parade for the first time.

The group has a long-standing gathering at Main Beach every Saturday.

“I found [the parade] very heartwarming and respectful,” Bloom

said. “Some people even joined and marched with us and it felt really

good.”

Another crowd pleaser were first-time local participants

“Sageman,” who manufacture and sell djembe drums and like items. The

company was started by James Knapp and his wife, Kris, who began by

selling drums out of the back of their car. They appeared to be the

hit of the parade, at least by crowd standards: The buzz about the

group of drummers could be heard on every corner.

“We’re promoting community drumming and making a commitment at

least once a month,” Knapp said, referring to the monthly drumming

circles that gather in Laguna.

He said he found participating in the parade to be both relaxing

and fun.

“It’s such a beautiful day,” Knapp said. “I’m really happy to have

our hometown hear us. It’s a wholesome family atmosphere -- we’re

communicating through rhythm.”

And the beat marches on as everyone starts preparing for the next

Patriots Day Parade, which always falls on the first Saturday in

March.