Thanksgiving 1997 - An American Tragedy

It was 20 years ago at the 1997 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Barney rounded the corner onto 51st Street, unaware that this day would be his last.

As the winds picked up, his handlers had increasing trouble controlling the six-story high purple dinosaur.

A gust of wind blew Barney to the side of the street where he caught on a lamp pole that left a tear in his side. This was the beginning of the end.

He slowly deflated as he was pulled down waiving to the crowd and never losing that signature smile from his face.

As he slowly succumbed to his death and flattened out, a quiet whisper could be heard: “I love you....you...love...me,” and it was over.

It has been 20 years since that terrible day and we now wear a purple ribbon in remembrance of Barney and all of the others lost that day including the Quik Bunny, the Cat in the Hat, and the Pink Panther. May they rest in pieces.

Full Tragedy Here: https://youtu.be/epgXuMB1sF8

FP Edit: Glad you all found this tragedy important enough to be commemorated on the front page. Don’t forget to wear your purple ribbons in remembrance. #RIPinPeace