Memorial Day Parade 2011, Afton, NY

Some people might laugh at our small parade and joke, "Blink, and you'll miss it!" but over the years, I've came to appreciate and enjoy it. It combines tradition and community, ceremony, patriotism and homage to the many who have served our community and country and sacrificed their lives. It is also a time that the community can gather to participate or merely watch, remember, and enjoy.

Gloria H. and her husband do a wonderful job making sure everyone along the parade route get a program:

Here's a copy for you to look over.

People start gathering along Main Street to wait for the procession. We had a preview of the marching band as its members filed up the sidewalk single-file toward the staring point. The parade starts with the flashing lights of the Afton police patrol car, followed by Dolly T., the minister leading the prayers at Foster park. Oh! Here comes the band!

There's our boy!

The Veterans march next with the flags.

Followed by many community groups:

After the horses pass, we cut through the Great American parking lot and scurry over the tracks to catch up with the activities at the bridge.

Speeches are followed by placing of the wreaths on white crosses of fallen soldiers from our area.

The band plays. Echoing trumpets play Taps. Proper method of flag folding (and each fold's symbolism) ends the ceremony.