Thai Father's Day~ King's Birthday Celebrations.

A huge Thai Happy Father's Day to all the ZOE fathers.  You do an amazing job facing the challenges of parenting- especially since the children in your care have come from so many difficult and traumatic situations.  Your patience and your commitment to these children just amazes me!  You truly are everyday heroes.
December 5th marks the 84th birthday of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand and the longest-serving monarch in the world.
If you've been to Thailand you'll know how much the Thai people love their king. The King's Birthday is also Father's Day here and a public holiday.
Yesterday Dave, and most of the other volunteers from the ZOE Children's Home, attended a special parade and concert organized by the Assembly of People of All Nations Who Love the King in Chiang Mai together with some other 117 organizations.
Participants were requested to wear either a national costume (see photos of Dave in his Akubra hat) or to wear pink to honor HM the King for his 84th birthday. All nationalities were invited to participate in the event.  
After the parade, there was a candle lighting ceremony, singing and a display of fireworks and floating lanterns (see video below). The rest of the evening saw performances by local bands and singers, both Thai and foreign, as everyone joined in to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his birthday.