In the Pipeline: A teary rose ceremony destined for the family photo album

It felt like a glimpse into the future. As my 18-year-old daughter took my arm and I began to escort her, I thought maybe this is what it will be like on her wedding day. And then, of course, I got a lump in my throat.

I’ll admit, I get like this every time graduation season rolls around — a little misty. My son graduated from USC two weeks ago and it was the same thing. These are wonderful moments when they move on, destined to do what you’ve always hoped they will do and what you have tried to teach them to do: move ahead in the world and make a positive difference; be kind to others; show compassion; work and play hard; discover, create and be curious.

Not under a parent’s watchful eye anymore, but connected by watchful hearts.

Easy to say. But when that time comes, well, you know how it feels.

But Claire and I were not at a graduation. This was a different kind of pageantry. The occasion was the May 20 rededication of the Queen’s Rose Garden by City Hall. Claire is Miss Huntington Beach 2014-15, and as part of the tradition, she was having a rose bush dedicated to her.

She had chosen a creamy green-tinged beauty called the St. Patrick rose, and many people had gathered in the courtyard for the presentation. In addition, a new bench was being dedicated to Marilyn MacAllister, wife of Don MacAllister, one of the true icons of Huntington Beach.

Watching Claire take part in various Miss Huntington Beach ceremonies these past few months has been a treat for our family. But this particular one is in a league of its own. After a color guard presentation and an invocation by pastor Bob Ewing of First Christian Church, Mayor Jill Hardy spoke to the crowd. Claire’s court, Alexis Rodriguez and Jenna Jean Farris, also participated.

On a beautiful blue and breezy day, the ceremony harked back to when Huntington Beach was “Mayberry by the Sea.” The band from Huntington Beach High School played. A poem was recited. This was a charming small-town ceremony that brought out some of the best people in the city.

For me, sitting there watching Claire address everybody, making introductions and talking about her experiences as Miss Huntington Beach, was another moment for the books. I watched with pride, as did my wife, my mom, my son and our friends, as Claire — who graduates from high school in two weeks — properly represented this fine city.

Then it was time to unveil the bench and the newly planted rose bush. Miss Huntington Beach has been a tradition since July 4, 1910. For more than 50 years, she has been honored with a rose of her selection. The roses and their respective plaques were once at the old City Hall downtown. Today they are by our current City Hall, and it’s a wonderful place to visit and soak up some local history.

Thank you to the Sand Dollars women’s club of Huntington Beach, which is responsible for the Miss Huntington Beach scholarship pageant and all things related to the queen and her court. Thank you, as well, to everybody else who made the event so special.

And to students, here’s wishing you congratulations, godspeed, luck, love and success as you graduate to the next level. The same goes for our daughter and son. Remember, wherever the wind of the world takes you, there is no place like home. And when your home is Huntington Beach, that becomes even more meaningful.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 25 books, including “Legendary Locals of Huntington Beach.” You can follow him on Twitter @chrisepting or at facebook.com/hbindependent.