The things you stumble upon...

Walking around yesterday we noticed loads of kids in Boy Scout uniforms.  Initially we thought that it was because it is summer and they were likely on a Scout trip.  It wasn't until we saw them on just about every corner and all over the Mall that we realized something else must be going on.  Sure enough...in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts, there was a parade.

They actually marched down Constitution Avenue which is the official National parade route.  Typically only four parades are allowed on the National parade route each year but this year they allowed the Boy Scouts of America to host a parade yesterday.  This is a shot of the start of the parade route:

Let me just take a minute to tell you that living outside of the US makes you miss certain things.  Seeing the American flag is a big thing for me.  I'm a proud American and I always, always, always stand and put my hand over my heart when singing the National Anthem.  Seeing a giant flag, hoisted by the local fire department, to signify the start of a parade for the Boy Scouts...holy cow...welcome back to the US Kate!  It was pretty awesome.  It was totally American and I loved every minute of it.

Here is a picture of some of the Boy Scouts marching in the parade:

And...of course, it isn't a parade without a band.  Now, if you were not aware, I was in my high school marching band.  We were really good, if I do say so myself.  I have a hard time seeing a marching band and not stopping to watch it.  We just happened to see this drum corp from Kalamazoo, MI (you should be able to click on the video to hear them):

If it hadn't been so bloody hot outside we would have stuck around for more of the parade.  However, even only seeing a small portion of it I had a great time.