As the Lions Centennial Float glided thru the Celebrate Damascus Parade, an estimated of 2000 onlookers waved, cheered and applauded the Lions. This truly was a show of appreciation for the Lions Community Service.
The float was a flatbed truck pulling a “club” wagon with owner Lion Roy Stanley at the wheel. Leo the Lion, Erica, was on the flatbed with 9 Damascus High School Leos and their advisor, Mary Ellen Cotton. The wagon was skirted in purple with Lions banners and signs surrounding it. Standing in the wagon was Melvin Jones (Lion Tom Jackson) in his business suit, Helen Keller (Lion Patsy McKenzie), deaf and blind, in her best bib an tucker of the 50’s and Anne Sullivan (Lion Chris Fletcher), teacher and friend of Helen’s, in her 40’s attire. All three were recognized with signage. Members and partners-in-service sat surrounding the icons waving and speaking to the onlookers were Lions Jennie Ampiah Addison, Charlie and Tammy Hertel, Joe Howerton, Martin Carr, John Washington, Mary Frances Gosnell and Partners-in-service, Debbie McKenzie and Sharon Stull.
While waiting to start down the parade route, an Indian lady approached Lion Jennie saying she was a Lion! She had just returned from the International Lions Convention in Chicago. Oh to have had her ride with us!!
I must admit, we did not give out any freebies/candy to the people along the parade route. We presented a friendly,” we are here for you” profile and received much appreciation thru applause, thumbs up and waves of acknowledgement. Nope – no candy and the consensus of the participants was we didn’t need it!
Thanks to all who helped decorate, who rode the route and who gave us encouragement along the way. Celebrate Damascus! We Serve!
Lion Mary Frances Gosnell