On Saturday, June 13th, the 2009 Waymart Pride and Patriotism parade kicked off promptly at 2 p.m. and continued for almost exactly the next hour.
 Under a few clouds here and there, the mostly sunny afternoon skies smiled brightly on both the parade participants and the multitude of spectators who lined the sidewalks for most of  Waymart's 'downtown' Belmont Street length.
 Led off by the Waymart Police Department, the American Flags and Post Colors were carried  by the Waymart American Legion Post 889, the Honesdale VFW Post 531, and the Honesdale American Legion Post 254.  Within the marching veterans' group, Waymart's own World War II Battle of the Bulge veteran George Waters was transported in an open red convertible for all to greet and honor.
The veterans were followed by two Civil War reenactors who were dressed in authentic uniforms representing both the Union's Blue, as well as its colorful Philadelphia Zouave Regiment.  Both reenactors periodically discharged their muskets along the route, much to the shock and delight of the spectators.  The marching veterans were then followed by two more veterans riding in a 1944 Army truck.
 The body of the parade consisted of many police vehicles, tractors, ambulances, antique automobiles, a number of bands, horses and riders, an Amish buggy, a horse and open carriage, and a seemingly endless collection of fire fighting vehicles from all over the region.  As always, the emergency horns and sirens were well exercised to the delight of all (mostly).
 The fire communities that were noted were: (Our apologies if we missed anyone.)
Beach Lake, Browndale, Carbondale Twp., Clifford, Elmhurst-Roaring Brook, Forest City, Hamlin, Honesdale, Jefferson Twp., Lake Ariel, Maplewood, Pleasant Mount, Prompton, Seelyville, Simpson, Susquehanna, Vandling, Waymart (of course, with its 1932 Chevrolet fire truck as well), and Whites Crossing.
And, in the tradition of the past, many candies were tossed to the great number of happy children along the parade route.
Flag Day program
At the completion of the parade, the veterans' Flag Day program was ceremoniously opened in Wayside Park with the outstanding patriotic musical selections performed by the Black Diamonds from Scranton, in all their impressive kilted attire, and with the full force of their bagpipes and drums.
Following a welcoming introduction to the program by Waymart American Legion Post 889 Commander Ken Swan, the Opening Prayer was delivered by Chaplain Bill Malloy of the Honesdale American Legion Post 254.  The National Anthem was beautifully sung by Miss Jessica Zaleski, and all were then led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commander Mike O'Hara of the Honesdale VFW Post 531.
Two area veterans, Sgt. Chris Derrick and Staff Sgt. Michael Kacer, Jr., were next presented with Certificates and Medals of Appreciation by the Waymart American Legion.
Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Baker, the guest Keynote Speaker, delivered a most meaningful Flag Day oriented presentation, touching on her own early years when her late father would religiously raise his own flag at home every morning, and then lower and fold it every evening. Senator Baker further related respect for the Flag to the services performed by both our military in the 'War on Terror', as well as the home front dedication exhibited by our first responder EMT's, Firefighters and Police personnel. The Senator also made note of the most recent tragic loss of a PA State Trooper in the line of duty.  She additionally made special mention of the recent American Legion recognition of  George Waters upon his completion of 65 years of Legion membership.
 Senator Baker's participation was concluded with her presentation of Lions Club Honor Plaques to the Sgts. Derrick and Kacer.
As a token of appreciation, Senator Baker was then herself presented with a Waymart-designed and crafted patriotic T-shirt, which she promptly and proudly donned for all to see.
The Flag Day program was concluded with a 'message from the Flag' in a reading by Commander Swan of the stirring poem titled "Old Glory" by Mr. Howard Schnauber.
At the completion of the Park activities, drops of rain began to fall.  As the crowd moved up to the Kennedy Grove picnic area, they were greeted by a heavy rain.  This later subsided enough for all there to enjoy the food and festivities before more rain arrived at the onset of the evening's musical program.  Thank goodness for the sheltering protection of the large pavilion.
All in all, it is believed that the community had a really great celebration of Pride and Patriotism.

Ken Swan is the commander of Waymart American Legion Post #889.