110833841
To the Editor:
Tom Cardella said it very well (“The year without the parade,” Dec. 31). The Mummers broke our hearts; they’ve stolen the very heart of the parade by taking it out of South Philly. I can’t express the sadness I feel about this to some people, but there are others who feel like I do. Mummer blood runs through our veins. There was no New Year’s Day … our heritage and family tradition have been taken away from us. I’ve been saying it all year on Facebook, it makes no sense to rehash it. It’s one of the worst things to happen to South Philly — they’ve taken our pride. There’s a hole in my soul, and my heart aches like I’ve lost a dear friend. It’s like the day the music died; no music or happy comics (drunk or sober) roaming the neighborhood; no Happy New Year hugs, kisses or wishes. I don’t understand this thought process. My father, Joe Burke, was made of mummery sequins, mirrors, feathers, glue and golden slippers! He marched no matter what was happening. This would have broken his heart, too. He loved the walk. Enjoyed seeing all the faces along the way. He was so very proud, and I was proud of him, too. No, Tom, there is NO GOOD REASON for this route change. Again, South Philly loses and no one cares!
Barbara Orsino
South Philadelphia
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