July 4, 1912 Persian entourage at July 4th parade

New York: Independence Day; the Persian entourage at a parade

Mahmud wrote:  "Today was the anniversary of the Independence of the United
States from England. There were celebrations everywhere. The Master was invited
to attend the Fourth of July parade to which the mayor was also invited. A special
messenger had been sent to the Master at Montclair with the invitation. He replied
then that He would come if His schedule would permit. As it was not a spiritual
occasion, the Master did not go but in order to show His interest, He sent us, His
companions, wearing our Persian hats and `abás. We arrived before the mayor, were
received with great honor as representatives of `Abdu'l-Bahá, and were given seats
near the mayor's chair. There were people there from many nations including China,
Japan, Turkey and India, as well as members of the American military and businesses
carrying flags and decorations for the celebration. All of these passed before the mayor
and were followed by parades of men, women, boys and girls in gala dress and singing
sweetly. As they passed by the mayor's stand, he spoke to all gracefully and kindly. After
the parade it was the turn of the poets and speech-makers.

     When we returned from the event to the Master, we described all that had taken place. 

It was well that He did not go because the excessive heat and crowds would have been a 

strain to His strength and health. Whenever it is beneficial to the interests of the Cause, 

He endures every kind of hardship. For example, on certain days during this journey, in 

spite of exhaustion and fatigue, He went to faraway places and attended many gatherings 

in the course of one day. He said, `I am continually speaking from morning until evening. 

Not even the strongest person would have such patience and fortitude.'

In the afternoon, at the request of friends, He went for an automobile ride into town. In 
the evening He spoke at length in His home about the coming of the Promised One."

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I wish we had a photo of Mahmúd and crew at the parade!