JOHN THOMAS
When was this photo taken?
Fourth of July, 2004 or 2005
Where was this photo taken?
John Strange Elementary School, Indianapolis
Who took this photo?
John Thomas
What are we looking at here?
Our neighborhood used to have a kids' parade every Fourth of July. The kids would decorate their bikes and wagons, the Fire Department would bring a fire truck to lead the parade, and we would walk through the parking lot at John Strange School, just a few blocks from our house. Our kids were about 2 and 7 at the time ... now they're 17 and 22.
How does this old photo make you feel?
First, delighted to see my kids as little ones! And happy to see old friends and a great neighborhood tradition. But then a little sad: As the families in this group got older, no others picked up responsibility for the tradition, so the annual parade is no more. And the school, which both kids attended, is closing.
Is this what you expected to see?
I had no idea what to expect ... I had feared the roll might be boring, mundane work photos or something ... so my wife and I were pleasantly surprised!