Hope everyone had a good and safe July 4th weekend! Here in NE Ohio, we took the weekend off and kicked back "Yub Nub style" (I'm gonna find trooper helmets for the "Rock Band" drum kit... I promise) but elsewhere in Ohio, the guys braved the forces of nature to march in a Dayton area July 4th parade.

The following is a mission report from Scott "Col-Mas" Thomas from the Columbus squad. Sure he's dressed as a TIE pilot for this one, but he's cool and I like to say he's on a "covert op" this time around.

On July 4, 2008 members of the 501st Ohio Garrison and Rebel Legion Midwest Base participated in the annual parade in Centerville, Ohio. The forecast that day called for scattered showers, and the forecast certainly delivered. It started as a very light rain before the official start of the parade. Then as we got suited up and into formation, the rain became steadily heavier. When we started marching, the rain had stopped. By that time, we'd already had a good soaking.

Was it worth it? One parade spectator told us, "You guys are the only reason we show up at this parade every year!" As usual, Darth Vader was the star of the show. All of the kids were excited to see us, especially Vader. I have only been a member of the 501st and Rebel Legions for about a year. In that time I have trooped in parades with weather ranging from hot to cold, and in between. When you consider that July 4th could be a day with temperatures in the 90's, trooping in a cool rain wasn't so bad.

Centerville Americana Parade - Mission Photos

See, I love hearing about events like this for a couple reasons:

1) Centerville Americana Parade - that's just a great name for a local parade... I love it!

2) I love trooping in parades! Who needs the Rose Bowl? Give me 50 Gungans with drums and a funky beat marching down your local main street... and you've got a party!

3) Independence Day is one of those times when people come out and show a little extra pride in their community. You clap when the marching band of your rival high school (yeah, I'm talking about you Invaders) marches by cause you know those kids have worked just as hard as the family member you are there to see. And you wave to every Cub Scout, Brownie, Girl Scout, youth sports association, police car, fire engine, those guys with the funny little cars and (most of all) veteran group that takes part in the parade... cause they all deserve it!

Also particiapting in the Centerville Americana Parade are:

jedineeson - jedi
Exalted_1 - jedi
Marcus - Vader
TI-6143 - TIE pilot (aka: Col-Mas )
TC8085 - 501st clone
TK1984 - TK

Nice job... or rather "yub-nub!"