The second time’s the charm.
After rain forced them to move their annual Salute to Israel parade indoors last month, the Ateret Avot Jewish Retirement Home decided to hold its first-ever July Fourth parade with its residents on July 2.
“It’s to give people a chance to express their love for America in such a physical and public way,” said Alan Magill, the activities director at the Midwood senior home.
More than 40 residents and staff marched. The average age of participants was 88-years-old, according to Magill, but one 102-year-old resident was out there showing off her American pride.
“It always amazes me, no matter how much I plan it, it goes off in its own direction,” Magill said of the residents’ enthusiasm.
A regular for 16 years at the Midwood home, guitarist Meish Goldish was there to perform some patriotic tunes such as “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and “Over There.”
“It was a beautiful experience,” Goldish said. “They’re very, very spirited and it’s very inspiring. I give them a lot of credit for coming out.”
Afterwards, Ateret Avot had it’s traditional pre-July Fourth barbecue and celebration, along with a program inside the home, looking back at why Independence Day is important to our country’s history.
“It was just a miraculous morning,” said Magill.
