We were thinking about the Lunenburg County Christmas Parade and a couple of things occurred to us: We’re glad we weren’t experiencing the recent arctic blast that evening … and the Christmas spirit might be gone, but there are others that linger.

The parade only lasted about 25 minutes, but afterward an Amelia County man was overheard talking about how impressed he was, and, clearly, no one left disappointed.

Actually, the parade was well attended and a reminder that there are moments when the stereotypes about small town life come true.

Afterward, people lingered on the street and talked. Not just politely speaking for a few minutes and then heading off, but standing and talking — about work, and their children and life. Some stood and talked longer than the parade lasted.

One thing not usually seen at a Christmas parade: it didn’t conclude with Santa — it concluded with the Central High School marching band.

It’s probably no coincidence that the band also got the biggest cheer of the evening. Yes, bigger than Santa.

That moment reminded us of something Lunenburg County Public Schools Superintendent Charles M. Barkley Jr. once said about how the football team — especially when it is successful — brings together the community.

But watching the band and hearing its reception at the parade made us realize that, actually, a well-supported public school system brings together the community.

A public school system that has the support of the community ends up being the backbone of the community.

That’s because a public school system that has the support of the community ties the hopes and dreams of all parents (regardless of race or income, or even first-language) together; because no matter what separates us or what we disagree on, the thing we share and that bounds us together is hope — and the hope we share is for the future and that future is always our children.

We saw it that evening, and we continue to see it around town. Talk about community pride.