The "Alexandria, VA: Part 1 - The Scottish Walk Parade" Story

It was an ordinary day. Sunday evening. We were relaxing at home in front of the fire after our weekend in Alexandria, Virginia. We visited Alexandria for the first time six years ago with our friends Pat and Dale. Had a great time so we decided that we would make it an annual trip. Traveled at different times of the year, sometimes with friends Pat andDale, sometimes with Jerry and Sue, and one time with both couples. This year we decided that we wanted to go right before Christmas so we could see all the decorations and the festivities that take place at this time of the year. We called both couples, but only Jerry and Sue were able to make the trip with us. We usually stay at the Red Roof Inn near the city so I called and made the reservations. We left yesterday, Saturday, at 8:00 AM, and after a stop for breakfast, arrived a little after 11:00 AM in Old Town Alexandria. Now the hardest part of the weekend: finding parking. Found a place for $4.00/hour (hey, we don't do this very often), parked the car and headed to the center of town for our first adventure: the Scottish Walk Parade. We saw this parade two times before and just loved it. It is a little over two hours long and has more than 100 entries with Scottish clans dressed in tartans and playing bagpipes, dog clubs featuring mostly Scottish type dogs (did see a few French Poodles dressed in Scottish garb), antique cars, and living history units. Also a few politicians thrown in so the Jaguar Car Club could drive them and show off their cars. Well, we missed the start of the parade and the place was packed. Lined three and four deep on both sides of the street. After a few people got too cold (temperatures were in the high 30s and it was windy), we managed to get to the front so I could take a few photos. I was dressed in my long underwear, hooded sweatshirt, wool socks, heavy gloves, and wool cap and didn't mind the cold. Loved the bagpipes and all the people dressed in their kilts. The tunes that they play on the bagpipes are sometimes eerie, but very soulful. At times you have to listen carefully to pick out the melody of the song that they are playing. Group after group from all over region. And we saw all types of dogs dressed in sweaters, elf and Santa hats, and some with kilts. Dogs such as the huge Irish Wolfhounds, Westies, Scotties, Cairn Terriers, Bearded Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Shelties, Airedales, Golden Retrievers, 1 Pug, and the 2 French Poodles. Every so often a group of military men dressed in their Scottish Garb with their flintlock rifles would pass. After one group passed I turned my head to see what was coming next and the parade halted for a few minutes. And then ..... boom! Scared the crap out of me. All the men with the rifles, who were only 40 feet to my left, fired their guns in unison. I nearly dropped my camera. The smoke rose as they reloaded, waiting for the next time they would stop. Then, close to the end of the parade we saw "The Kiltie Band of York." The men and women of the group of at least 20 or more wore dark blue hats with red plumes, dark blue dublet, red tartan plaid drapings around their bagpipes and chests, red tartan kilts, plaid knee-high socks with black shoes and white spats covering the shoes and laces. Boy, did they look neat. And, they could really play. Not only that, but the parade stopped as they were in front of us and they continue to play. Then, I looked at the guy in the band that was second in from the end in front of me and thought I recognized him. Yep, it had to be him. I yelled to Jerry, "Look there, isn't that either Al or Art Reist?" We both had them in class in the mid-70's. And it had to be one of them. You see, they are twins, and I had to learn every feature of their face so I could distinguish between then in my class. You can't forget a face after what I went through to learn their features. But, it's been over 30 years since I had them in class. I knew immediately that it was one of them, but couldn't remember which one. Jerry also agreed it had to be one of them. Then it struck me. "The Kiltie Band of York" had to be York, PA which is 20 minutes from Lancaster. It was one of them! They stopped playing and I yelled, "Art." A few seconds later I yelled, "Al." A smile on his face appeared. He slowly looked my way and saw the two of us waving at him. I know he recognized us. We didn't get to talk with him though. The parade continued and we eventually saw the firetruck with Santa which signaled the end. I still was warm, but hungry. Knew where our next stop would be and also knew I would have to make a phone call soon to one of the bagpipers and tell him how much I enjoyed the parade. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - pixs from the top are: bagpipers with the colors, Shetland Sheepdog group, Scottie dog with owner, Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Military Unit that scared me to death, a Westie dog rescue group, a drummer with The Fire Brigade of Greater Baltimore, group displaying "Chessie", the monster of the Chesapeake Bay, Drummer with "The Kiltie Band of York", and former student Al Reist who is a member of "The Kiltie Band of York." PPS - Just got off the phone with Al. We had a great conversation and he wants me to join the band. Says I would have no trouble playing and would love wearing the kilts. Yeah, right!!