Independence Day

On September 7^th, Brazil celebrated its Independence from the rule of Portugal in 1822. And as an American, now living in Brazil, my wife (Vania) requested that I write something comparing my experience between Brazil’s Independence parade and that of the United States celebrated on July 4^th—understanding that my views are only relevant to the area that I grew up in and the cultural demographics of the Midwestern part of the United States. 

I’ve been living in Brazil for about six years, and as such, will be unable to pontificate the ceremonies that are currently being exercised in the country I once called home. However, I have noticed the tides of formality have been shifting for some time and the adulations that were once dedicated to the remembrance of our foundation has succumbed to a generation not only unaware of the historicity, but the importance of properly honoring a noble tradition. 

Throughout my youth and into my teens, I could always remember the Fourth of July celebration and count on a tradition consistent in theme. Families would establish an area to sit and watch the parade along the entire route, which started at the cities eastern edge and finished at the city park on the bank of the Maumee River in Rossford Ohio. The entire morning’s processions of military, school and veteran clubs would proceed in formation while wearing whatever uniform that represented their particular group. As a young boy, I was always fascinated with the military’s exhibition; with their precise marching formation and of course some of the equipment they would bring. The school’s marching band was always involved; playing the compositions that their conductor put together. The city’s services were present (police and fire department); driving their big trucks and police cars. All the veteran groups, of course, consisted of soldiers that fought in previous wars. Not much was thrown, as in confetti or the announcement of any sort. All the speeches and presentations were given at the city park, where normally, the grownups would go. The fireworks were always at night and in all of the surrounding area.

 

Vania and I discussed going to the parade in Americana by virtue of our student (Nathalia Perassolo), who would be in the parade representing Soma. She was part of a flag drill team and looked fantastic! I wish we could’ve gotten better pictures of her and her team, but I was a little slow on the camera. 

The parade was completely different than those from my youth. I wasn’t sure what to make of all the organizations that were marching. Although, some of them demonstrated social programs that help the citizenry, most seemed to focus on athletics, which I’m in complete agreement with. I just can’t make the connection between a country’s independence and athletics. Everything from soccer to table tennis was being represented. Then there were the groups of kids that were wearing their baseball caps on like they were a member of a gang (can’t remember who they represented). There didn’t seem to be any respectful representation of what they were even in the parade for—I actually saw someone texting while walking! Can you believe that? I’m sorry, but that sort of behavior is embarrassing to see. Anyways, the rest of the parade had some different motor clubs. The Volkswagen (fusca) seems to be a staple of Brazilian culture. For some reason, you Brazilians love this car. I just need to find out why from a fusca owner. The off-roaders (Jeeps) followed and are a give in to the attraction. I’m sorry to say we walked away when the motorcycles came through. I’m not a big fan of the motorcycles here.

I’m sorry Vania and I didn’t stay a little longer. We heard this morning that people wanted to protest the injustices of some political decisions. And although they had the permission from federal authorities, they were prevented by local police. The overly obvious reason for celebrating independence is to recognize the grievances from people; otherwise, you are placing yourself back in a position of tyrannical bondage. The protesters should have been in the parade. Now that would’ve been celebrating independence. 

The main differences that I can postulate between the two countries are in the United States there is an abundance of patriotism for country. There are so many U.S. flags and everything that is represented can be connected to the occasion; whereas in Brazil, the parade--in Americana—seemed to focus more on the local community.