Assignment: Flag Day

Small isn't always associated with New York, especially when it comes to parades. But this 69th Flag Day event, from City Hall Park to historic Fraunces Tavern, celebrated the 236th anniversary of the adoption of the American flag. With just a handful of units, from diverse public schools and color guards, to traditional followers of American symbols and history, handfuls of people in lower Manhattan watched as this perhaps ten minute parade interrupted their day just long enough to wonder what it was all about. 

As people walked to and from their offices this lunchtime, sometimes through the parade column itself, they wondered allowed what was going on. "Oh, right...Flag Day.." was the usual response, followed by a smile towards the phalanx of marchers, and then an about face with quick steps back to work. 

For a moment, the fast-paced world of the Financial District slowed, but just a little.

 

 

Photos © 2013 by Craig Ruttle 

  Photos ©2013 by Craig 

take the A train (again)

IN announcing the return of A train subway service to the Rockaways after Superstorm Sandy, the MTA rolled out one of the oldest subway trains still operating to mark the occasion. The ceremonial train left the Howard Beach station carrying MTA brass, employees, NYPD officers and many members of the media. Once reaching Rockaway Park Beach 116th station, there were speeches and song, feeling perhaps a bit like a bannered celebration of the early 20th Century.

The celebratory nature of this day probably won't solve transportation problems that the Rockaway peninsula has always faced. Surely this was the MTA's best face on announcing a many million dollar repair that involved extraordinary efforts by it's track workers and engineers. But for this couple of hours, at least, most were swept up in the moment, free of the skepticism and the critical eye
that will continue to focus on the workings of the MTA after this train departs.

As for this vintage A train: it delivered real Rockaway residents to their destination after it left the station.

Photos ©Craig Ruttle 2013