Video of the first month in USA

Leaving the Super 8 Motel in Helena this morning, we were grateful to Iris for such wonderful accommodations and great service. We had to drive to Butte which was a ways off our route to march in their big Fourth of July parade, the biggest one in the state.

We had marched in it last year and were fortunate to be invited back this year as well.

Parade organizer Molly Kirk.

Molly Kirk, one of the organizers was so kind in asking us to march near the front of the parade of about 100 groups.

The Governor of Montana, who we were happy to meet before the parade and share the Torch with him, was very kind and friendly as we were able to spend a few moments talking to him about our efforts so far. Both Senators of Montana were also a kind and courteous man who took some time out to talk with us and hold the Torch.

Paul Babbs, the Chief Executive (similar to Mayor) of Butte, marched behind us and also was nice to spend some time meeting our runners and holding the Torch as he did last year as well. We are so grateful for those civil servants and politicians who offer their time and energy to being with the people they serve and meeting new people who may not even be part of their constituency.

I personally was delighted to find a friend from last year who was instrumental in getting us to march the parade initially. Shelly Jones found us as we were lining up for the start. I could not reach her beforehand and was hoping to find her somehow. It was a wonderful moment when she and her husband Dan and her mom Ann came up to us and spent a few minutes meeting our runners and taking photos. Her sister Julie and Frank, Julie’s husband and Kayla, their daughter, were also there as they were last year to offer their kind words of support. Meeting old friends from past runs is a real treat as we all part ways for a year and reunite again in harmony and friendship.

The parade itself was about two miles long and seemed an endless sea of spectators and marching groups as well. Thousands of people with families lined the streets for almost two hours on this wonderfully sunny day as the colorful parade made its way down Harrison Avenue. Most of our runners were marching or running with some Torches to hand to the spectators along the way, handing out our official stickers as well. There was so much energy there as the spirit of the ‘Fourth’ was powerfully alive in this vibrant city.

Moving on, we spent the rest of the day running our miles with the Torch along the highway to Harlowton. We were hosted at night by Marie Moe at her guest ranch near Harlowton. Marie and her friends Tony, Jim and Rosita all cooked some dishes for us and welcomed us so warmly to this well designed ranch. We had our choice of sleeping facilities in the main house, cabins or even giant Teepees. After a great meal and some small fireworks, we enjoyed a huge outdoor campfire with our hosts.

We are extremely grateful for the hospitality and generosity of Marie and her friends. It is people like this who offer what they have and go out of their way to make us feel comfortable that makes the World Harmony Run a success.

Arpan and the Team

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