I grew up in Small Town, USA. A fence bordered two sides of our property. Cow pasture lay on the other side of the fence. I like small towns. There is a charm to that way of life.
Monday was Memorial Day. In small towns across our land, veterans were honored for their service–particularly those who paid the ultimate price.
Around here that honor means a parade and a ceremony at the cemetery. Here are some pictures that Sylvia took of people in the parade.
Veterans lead the parade as is fitting. It is their day and the day to honor their comrades in arms. Conflict is not glorified. Respect is given to those whose sacrifices defended home and country. Do you stand, hand over heart, when the flag goes by?
Unlike the veterans, the scouts aren’t all in step with each other. Nevertheless, it isn’t anything at all like trying to herd cats. The boys show their respect for the day and for their community.
No parade is complete with a marching band. The local High School band plays that role well. I thrill to the sounds of drums and brass. I feel transported back to my days in the marching band, but that was long ago and far away. Or is it really?
I hope you enjoy Sylvia’s pictures. Tomorrow, I’ll show you some of the vehicles from the parade.
Lovely! I would like to live in a small town like that. Except I kinda like not knowing everything about my neighbors.
Yes, I do stand for the veterans AND I clap for them. I sing the national anthem, and I stand and sing our school fight song. I am amazed and disgusted at those (and there are far too many) who do none of the above.
I always walked with the Girl Scouts. God to be the flag bearer one year.
I should have taken photos of our local parade. Yours are very nice!
I love the unique buildings in your town. Looks like a mix between the wild west and the Victorian painted ladies of San Francisco.
Nice. I could almost hear the drums and the trombones!
It always amazes me how most small town centers look alike.
Except for the width of the street that could be my little town in NJ