Parade to Refocus in Wake of Tragedy: "Nations United--The Parade of Nations"
HOUGHTON--The Parade of Nations, which traditionally celebrates global
diversity, will refocus this year to emphasize our common humanity.
In recognition of the Sept. 11 tragedy, the theme of this Saturday's
international event will be "Nations United--The Parade of Nations."
"We felt it was important to show that we are all one people,"
organizers said. "The international community at Michigan Tech and
throughout the Copper Country is as deeply hurt by this tragedy as their
American neighbors, and we believe this is a time to come together."
In keeping with the theme, all Michigan Tech students, faculty and staff
are encouraged to walk in the parade, which begins at 11 a.m. across from
Hancock Middle School on Quincy Street. Instead of walking in separate
national groups, students and community members from 71 countries will
walk together with Americans the length of the parade route.
Members of Copper Country fire departments will bring up the end of the
parade, in memory of the firefighters and other rescue workers who perished
in the collapse of the World Trade Center.
University and city officials, including the mayors of Houghton and Hancock,
will participate in the parade, as well as area clergy. Before the march,
the Rev. Larry VanDamme, pastor of St. Albert the Great University Parish,
will give an invocation by the American flag in front of the Republic
Bank building.
The parade will cross the Portage Lift Bridge and end at Dee Stadium,
where nearly 50 booths will be set up featuring food and other items from
around the world.9/18/01--MTN081