“Wake up Jackie!”
“What? Why? Leave me alone Mom, it’s Saturday.” And we all know teenagers need their morning sleep.
My politically active mother would have none of it.
“Get up, it’s May Day and we’re marching in Boston,” she blared.
“Why?” I asked.
“To end the war,” she said.
So up I got, gulped down a quick breakfast and dashed out the door.
My mom taught me to march wherever and whenever we could for causes beneficial to people and our nation.
As a very young boy, I did the annual May procession throughout the streets of my home city of Chelsea honoring Mary, mother of Jesus. As a member of the Boston College Screaming Eagles Marching Band, I marched at Alumni Stadium on Chestnut Hill, many Patriots games, a Jets vs. Dolphins football game at Shea Stadium, Columbus Day parades throughout Boston, and the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade.
I’ve marched for civil rights, peace, and the environment.
It’s a great way to publicly express yourself, your beliefs, and your causes — all protected by the US Constitution.
But nowhere at any time have I ever participated in more processions, parades and marches than in Gloucester. We are a town that loves public displays of affection and honor for the things we value and hold dear.
Here are just a few examples.
No Kings
On June 14, more than 2,000 people marched from Stage Fort Park, down Stacy Boulevard to the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Memorial. It was a march of resistance to an American monarchy.
Some claim it was the most populated march of its kind in Gloucester history.
There were lots of home-made signs powerfully proclaiming all things democracy along with hundreds of American flags of various sizes that matched nicely with the 160 flags already lining the rails of the boulevard.
It was a peaceful, serious, and joyful event as people of all ages came together to sing, chant and proclaim that in America, and in this community, democracy rules and there are no kings.
Fiesta
Since 1927, during the last week of June, Gloucester celebrates St. Peter’s Fiesta.
To initiate the formal part of the celebration, there is a procession from the Saint Peter’s Club where the statute of the patron saint of fishermen is reverently brought out and carried to St. Peter’s Square before being set gently down upon the holy altar.
On Sunday, the concluding day of Fiesta, after the outdoor Mass, there is a solemn procession where all are invited to march with clergy, fishermen, families, friends and neighbors down Stacy Boulevard to the Man at the Wheel for the annual blessing of the fleet.
The sacred procession honors Saint Peter and asks for his divine intervention to protect the fishing fleet of the nation’s first seaport.
Horribles
It is said “everyone loves a parade.” That is especially so in Gloucester.
Started in 1945, the annual July 3rd Gloucester Fishtown Horribles parade celebrates the founding of America. Everyone is invited to march in the 3-mile-long extravaganza, and sometimes I think everyone does. The parade includes veterans, police officers, firetrucks, kids on bikes, politicians both in office and those campaigning for a seat, marching bands, lots of floats, antique automobiles, banners held for all sorts of causes, and much much more.
The parade is followed by an outdoor concert and fireworks as summer officially begins.
In all these events, Gloucester marches with pride and dignity for peace, freedom, and liberty.
Enjoy the marching season everyone, celebrate the city, sing happy birthday America, and Viva San Pietro!
Jack Clarke is a Gloucester resident and frequent contributor to the Gloucester Daily Times.