Brighton Chamber of Commerce starts the Fourth off with a run

The day greeted me with Elaine’s announcement that we were to help out in a 5K race put on by the Brighton Chamber of Commerce, with the sponsorship of Fleet Feet. A quick stop for a cup of coffee, an offer to help, the donning of highlighter-colored t-shirts and flag in hand, we walked through an awakening and well-tended Brighton neighborhood to our post.

Positioning ourselves where all runners must pass, our job is simple. We only need to confirm that the runners continue straight on, ignoring the obvious fact that the finish line is much closer if they turn left.

A box of crayons had been released, and now flows down Bonnie Brae. The procession begins thin and speedy, with a clear, forthright leader and gaps between each runner. The colors thicken through the middle and effervesce into a multitude of characters. The flow sputters at times, and ultimately thins down to the last determined spirit who ambles by heroically with the aid of walking sticks.

Elaine cheers loudly. She has had a large coffee, and several runners lament at not having had as good an energy boost as she so obviously has had. I know differently. Elaine is stoked by people, and particularly by people working together to make something happen, to make a difference, or simply to share. She encourages each passer with increasing bravado.

I think about the cheer, the generations, the good will, and the sweet, intense pride of the people involved in this one event. It is easy to extend that thought and  imagine this same spirit throughout our region and country. Truly, the Fourth of July, expands each year into a menagerie of hues, defying and yet, paying homage to the traditional red, white and blue.