The Twain Shall Meet
Since 2010, Hudson has had two parades in June, on consecutive weekends: The Flag Day parade, on the Saturday closest to June 14, and the Pride parade, on the following Saturday. The events have been quite separate and distinct. People who participated in the Flag Day parade didn't march in the Pride parade, and people who marched in the Pride parade were rarely part of the Flag Day parade. The exceptions were the Columbia County Democrats and the Hudson Fire Department. This year will be different.
OutHudson released this statement this morning: "In the spirit of unity, OutHudson's Pride marchers will have a contingent in the Flag Day Parade, and the Flag Day Committee will march in the Pride parade."
Commenting on the new development, Rich Volo, a.k.a. Trixie Starr, who organized the first Hudson Pride parade in 2010 and is now the chair of OutHudson, said: "This is a time for unity; a time that the City of Hudson comes together. I'm happy to march in the Flag Day Parade this year with the OutHudson banner!"
Charlie Ferrusi, who had a featured role in the 2010 Pride Parade and is now a director of OutHudson, commented: "Flag Day and the American flag have always represented freedom and equality for all. The flag represents the unity of America, our common cause, and the hope for a better tomorrow. LGBTQ people have always been a part of America and the City of Hudson. We deserve to have a visible and vibrant presence at Hudson's Flag Day Parade."
The Flag Day parade takes place this Saturday, June 9. The parade steps off at 2:oo p.m. The OutHudson parade is next Saturday, June 16. It, too, begins at 2:00 p.m. Both parades go down Warren Street, from the Public Square to Front Street.
COPYRIGHT 2018 CAROLE OSTERINK
This is wonderful news! The American flag belongs to all of us, including in some sense those people who dream of achieving the freedom it stands for. I have always been bothered that the flag has been for some time associated with one particular political belief system. It is forward thinking to express our unity under this flag and the freedom and rights of diverse people that it stands for through two inclusive parades. Once again Hudson is in the vanguard. Congratulations OutHudson and Hudson Flag Day Committee. Just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteCarol, please photo credit me for the photo of Rich. It is a Polaroid I took of him on the first Hudson Pride Parade. photo: Holly Northrop www.hnorthrop.com. I do not know who took the one of Tim and Charlie.
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