An America Thing

I took this photo last year in one of the Tournament of Roses float decorating tents in the Arroyo Seco. I never posted it because of its glaring imperfection--the large white barrier front and center. But while looking through last year's photos I came across it and found these girls so compelling I decided to go ahead and show it to you.

The girl's hand touches a fire hydrant that looks like it's seen better days, and that it has. The hydrant, called "the Heroes' Hydrant," was displayed near where the LA County Firemens Benefit and Welfare float was being decorated. The nearby sign said, "This is an actual hydrant removed from the World Trade Center rubble (near building 7) donated to the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association by our friends from FDNY" (Fire Department of New York).

The moment moved me and put me in mind of many things then, as it does now: how thoughtful these girls seemed to be, despite how young; how much I have to be grateful for; and how the Tournament of Roses Parade is not just a Pasadena thing but an America thing.

You can visit the Heroes' Hydrant and other artifacts of firefighter bravery at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum.