Sunday saw us take part in our town’s Memorial Day Parade; one of the many community events held throughout the year. The boys were keen to walk with their classmates, so we headed into town to join in.
Memorial Day, which is the last Monday in May, remembers all the men and women who have died while serving in the US armed forces. It was wonderful to see the town turning out to mark the day; as always the strong sense of community spirit was very evident. This was the first time that we had taken part in the parade; all the local schools were represented, there was a traditional Fifes and Drums group, along with a brass band, the High School band and bagpipes! This was in addition to representatives from the army, fire service and police. The main street was lined with people watching.
My husband joined the 7yo and his school group while I stayed with the 5yo and his classmates, keeping the wee girl with me (and finally persuading her to take a nap in the buggy just as the parade started!).
The 5yo briefly helped carry his school banner, before letting two of his classmates take over the hard work; and a wonderful job they did too! He did help out again, right at the end, this was apparently enough for him to have done his bit :)
There was a wonderful atmosphere as we walked down Main Street and the boys definitely enjoyed taking part. The 5yo waved his flag and played with his clapping hands toy; snaffling the sweets that were being thrown to the onlookers whenever he thought I wasn’t looking!
Despite the forecast being for grey skies and showers, it turned out to be a beautiful sunny afternoon, which took us all by surprise (and left us minus hats and sun cream!). Thankfully the stroll through town wasn’t too long…
I’m glad we made the effort to take part in the parade, rather than just watch. The boys enjoyed it and it is good for them to join their classmates at events like this. And, it helps make all of us feel that we are part of the community.
So cute ;) looks very American with all the red, white and blue! :))) x
It was very American and very lovely x
Oh wow- that looks so brilliantly American- do you know what I mean? Looks like a wonderful opportunity to remember people. x
I know exactly what you mean, wonderfully American. It was a lovely afternoon x
I always remember my grandfather during this event =) He is a soldier for the American Army on their war against Japan. Thanks for sharing this day! Amazing event actually to give respect for those who died. #whatsthestory
Thanks Merlinda, I’m glad that we took part x
I love those outfits! There is something about New England that is so very delicious – the clapboard houses, porches and that sense of ‘history’ (not what we’d think of ‘history’ of course :-) – I remember going on a boat tour through San Antonio in Texas once and the guide pointing out buildings that were 200 years old – lots of amazed gawping followed, despite my Dad’s snort of derision! :-) ) Such a lovely day and what a bonus that the sun came out!! 5 year old looks like he got very attached to those clapping hands… X #sharewithme
You’re right, New England is beautiful, I love the houses and the porches (I have one in fact!). In terms of the US, it really does have history and it’s fascinating. To be honest, Boston feels very European in a lot of ways, which is probably why it’s one of my favourite cities! Memorial Day was lovely, such a wonderful feeling of community – and the kids had to be wearing their red and blue really!
When I lived there and travelled a bit from Texas I always thought that New Orleans was probably one of the most interesting and ‘European’ cities in America (in terms of being completely unique and having less of the generic chains dominating), but I’ve never visited Boston and my brother in law also visited San Francisco recently and commented that it felt more unique and European in style too so I guess I’ve got a few cities to add to the bucket list there!
Ooo, both of those are on my ‘must visit’ while we’re living here list! I suspect I will love them too :)
I think I just cried a homesick tear for this post. Lovely post. Lovely photos. Seeing my american flag everywhere, waving beautifully in the sun, with your little ones big smiles of the big parade behind him and all around is amazing. I loved the memorial parades each year. The community all coming together to join as one in celebrations. It’s amazing and great vibe. I miss it so much. I am home this year for fourth of july and I can’t wait to take my kids to see fireworks display and the parade in town as I did when I was young. So very exciting. Glad you got involved and embraced my culture for me. hahaha I will go have some tea and marmite on toast for you to balance it out. hahahahaha Thanks for linking up to Share With Me Sara. Lovely post. #sharewithme
Oh Jenny, hugs x It was lovely, such a great community event. Americans really do these celebrations well :)
Oh look at their gorgeous outfits. Shockingly I never knew what Memorial Day was for so thank you for that important lesson. I love the US idea of parades and celebration, I wish we had more stuff like that over here aside from when there’s a royal wedding or the like. Lovely pics xxx #sharewithme
Thank you, had to go for the red, white and blue :) I love the celebrations too, every holiday has an event, it’s great fun and gives such a wonderful sense of community.
You’ve captured that special community feel for public events when kids and schools – and families – take part and enjoy it together. The 5 yo looks like he’s having a blast!
It was lovely, I really enjoy these community events x
Parades are always so much fun for children! I know that Memorial Day is an important holiday in the US, because I’ve been reading about it everywhere.
It is a very big day, and I can understand why, it’s lovely to have a day to remember x
Oh my word Sara what an amazing event to be involved with, so poignant too. It sounds like it was a great day and I’m so glad the sun shined for you too. Brilliant photos, you seem to have captured the essence of the day perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing and joining in with #whatsthestory (I get to meet you soon waaaaaahhhhhhh!) x
Thank you Charly, it was lovely to take part, and I’m really glad the boys did. I think it’s important for them to get involved in things like this. (I know! Only a few weeks till BritMums!!!)
I love Memorial Day parades. They don’t have them where we live now, but we used to go every year when we lived in New York State. Always felt so festive and like the kick off of summer!
Also, regarding the Facebook message I sent you–I figured out I couldn’t get on your blog if I was using our wifi, so I turned wifi off on my phone to view it. Must be a setting we have, but not sure. Maybe it will fix itself! :)
It was a lovely afternoon, great community event.
Re wifi – how odd!