Philadelphia Pa Celebrations

Three days late but no less festive, Philadelphia's Mummers strutted up Broad Street in their annual New Year's parade of comedy, fancy costumes and string band music. The $3-million parade, delayed twice this year because of bad weather, stepped off just before 8 a.m., led by the colorful clowns of the comic division. Thousands of fans braved temperatures in the 30s for the 12 hours of pageantry and celebration that officially dates back to 1901.

In a century-old Philadelphia tradition, grown men donned sequined fabric, feathered costumes, silky dresses and wigs to march down city streets in the annual Mummers Parade. This year, the parade route was altered to bring out more crowds, and most people watching endorsed the change. The parade capped off Philadelphia's celebration of the transition to 2000 with 24 hourly events. Early morning parade-goers were joined by Mayor Edward G.

Declaring that "our brothers have come home," hundreds of Vietnam veterans and thousands of spectators Monday cheered a parade and the unveiling of a monument honoring 630 Americans killed in Southeast Asia. A rifle squad fired a 21-gun salute as a group of veterans, a number of them wearing their tattered, 20-year-old uniforms, wiped away tears and peeled back the plastic cover to reveal a gray granite wall inscribed with the names of the war dead.

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia and the Founding Fathers drafted the Constitution there. But it took a 10-hour celebration in Studio City on Sunday to give the oft-bashed city the respect it deserves. "It's got history," proudly proclaimed former Philadelphian Susan Yannessa, 40, of Beverly Hills. "It's got the Liberty Bell." Yannessa was one of more than 400 expatriates, including new Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L.

In a century-old Philadelphia tradition, grown men donned sequined fabric, feathered costumes, silky dresses and wigs to march down city streets in the annual Mummers Parade. This year, the parade route was altered to bring out more crowds, and most people watching endorsed the change. The parade capped off Philadelphia's celebration of the transition to 2000 with 24 hourly events. Early morning parade-goers were joined by Mayor Edward G.

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia and the Founding Fathers drafted the Constitution there. But it took a 10-hour celebration in Studio City on Sunday to give the oft-bashed city the respect it deserves. "It's got history," proudly proclaimed former Philadelphian Susan Yannessa, 40, of Beverly Hills. "It's got the Liberty Bell." Yannessa was one of more than 400 expatriates, including new Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L.

Former President Jimmy Carter received the city's Liberty Medal in a patriotic celebration Wednesday, reminding Americans that human rights are key elements in the fabric of the nation. Carter was warmly welcomed by a crowd of 10,000 as he was awarded the bronze medal in front of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed exactly 214 years ago. The award also comes with a $100,000 prize.

Former President Jimmy Carter received the city's Liberty Medal in a patriotic celebration Wednesday, reminding Americans that human rights are key elements in the fabric of the nation. Carter was warmly welcomed by a crowd of 10,000 as he was awarded the bronze medal in front of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed exactly 214 years ago. The award also comes with a $100,000 prize.

Declaring that "our brothers have come home," hundreds of Vietnam veterans and thousands of spectators Monday cheered a parade and the unveiling of a monument honoring 630 Americans killed in Southeast Asia. A rifle squad fired a 21-gun salute as a group of veterans, a number of them wearing their tattered, 20-year-old uniforms, wiped away tears and peeled back the plastic cover to reveal a gray granite wall inscribed with the names of the war dead.

Three days late but no less festive, Philadelphia's Mummers strutted up Broad Street in their annual New Year's parade of comedy, fancy costumes and string band music. The $3-million parade, delayed twice this year because of bad weather, stepped off just before 8 a.m., led by the colorful clowns of the comic division. Thousands of fans braved temperatures in the 30s for the 12 hours of pageantry and celebration that officially dates back to 1901.