This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The patently ironic theme for this year's parade in Provo — dubbed "America's Freedom Festival" — was "Freedom elevates us all." As the parade organizers don't really believe this, only some groups were allowed to participate in their celebration.
The Boy Scouts were there. The military had a presence, not just with troops but tanks, too. American flags were proudly flown. LDS missionaries (in the usual garb, sans jackets) were out in force. Everyone's favorite villain, Darth Vader, put in an appearance and, indeed, there was a whole "Star Wars" float with numerous other characters from the film franchise.
The American Fork High School Marching Band showed up, dressed in full regalia. The governor was there with his wife, both looking a bit ill from too much sun. The Utah County Fair sponsored a float. Miss Orem and Miss Provo were both part of the celebration of freedom.
Brigham Young University sponsored a float. Mormon pioneers in covered wagons added a nice historical touch. A man dressed up as an ape and waving an American flag rode in on a unicycle. Central Bank had a float featuring animals and books, but no money. Indeed, many of the floats were mere advertisements urging us to buy a product or patronize a business.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time, except, unfortunately, for a rejected group of gay people who were denied the right to march because, so it was said, they were "advocating" something, and the parade organizers said that could not be countenanced.
In a country that finally extended the right to marry to same-sex couples, in a state that prohibits employment discrimination against gay people (yes, our own Utah Legislature did that even before the Supreme Court of the United States expanded the meaning of marriage), it would seem that these parade organizers have a large misunderstanding of what the word "freedom" really means.
Maybe next year?
Thomas N. Thompson
Salt Lake City