Who should have done what?

This picture was taken several years ago.
The apple tree closest to the kids is now my only remaining original fruit tree.
I have planted a few new fruit trees, but they are still too young to bear fruit.

After reading Allison's blog over at Life of a Novice, I got to thinking about what went on at our 4th of July Pig Roast. It was held at the home of our youngest daughter.The property was previously owned,though many years ago, by a very prominent family in our area. It was the jewel of the community, at that time.It has long since lost most of it glamour, but the children hope to make some updates and do some remodeling as soon as they get their footing a little better.I'm guessing that means when they get the two grandchildren raised and through college.Nevertheless, as the huge crowd gathered for the festivities,I noticed a few children gathering in the orchard around the grand children's swing set.All of the parents were busily playing the Corn Toss game or chatting with others, or testing the Pork,or setting up the table,arranging the seating.No one seemed to notice what the children were doing.I didn't count, but I dare say there were about ten kids ranging from age six to fourteen,boys and girls alike.Their main entertainment became knocking every single pear off of the tree which was standing near the site where they had gathered. Now personally, I live for the moment my fruit is ready to be harvested,but then I only have the one apple tree,not an orchard full.No one seems to notice or even care that this game was going on. I was sick to my stomach as were a couple of other older ladies who appreciate having fruit trees as I do. It was not our house.It was not our kids. The owners didn't seem to care, so why should we speak up to the kids and make every parent at the function mad at us.No one did anything about the situation.I dare say there was not a single pear left on that tree at the end of the day,so therefore, there will be no pear preserves for me this Fall.I usually bring home a bout a half bushel or so each year to make my yearly preserves.What do you think should have been done? I know what kind of a stink is stirred up when you scold other folks kids, so would you have spoke to the kids or maybe called this to the owners attention?People are so touchy about others scolding their kids anymore, even if they know they are doing wrong.Could this be part of the problem with our youth today? It seems no one wants to speak up to the kids or their parents when everyone could see the kids re doing something wrong.