[dennis in se pa]

I happen to live on a street where the annual Memorial Day parade goes by. It's a big one, lasts for about an hour. What a time to rob someone or set something on fire - half of the police and firemen and equipment of the county are tied up. I thought parades where stupid as a child and a cub scout when I was forced to walk in them. To this day I cannot understand the appeal of them, although I know they appeal to many. It seems there are those who like to be in parades, those who enjoy standing along the road watching parades, and those like me who think parades are stupid. What am I missing that others find so wonderful about parades? I live near Philadelphia and thus grew up almost forced to watch a passing glimpse of the Mummer's Parade every New Year's day. I cannot believe people actually do such a thing, let alone go watch it. Does anyone else find parades silly?