Memorial Day in Dorrance

There is really no way to explain the Dorrance Memorial Day experience unless you have been there. Usually, we place our flowers on our loved ones graves on Sunday night, that in itself is quite the ritual. I will write about that at a later date.

Basically this is what happens on Monday morning: people gather on main street of Dorrance and follow the American Legion and Auxiliary on a two and half block walk to the Dorrance cemetery. The program at the cemetery consists of a prayer, singing of the Star Spangled Banner, a speech, a flyover, reading of the roll call of those who served our country and have since died, minute of silence, laying of ceremonial wreaths, three volleys from the firing squad, playing of taps, singing of Amazing Grace, another prayer and then lots of visiting. The PARADE is truly extraordinary because it is not a parade to show off floats for people lining the street, it is a parade of people who gather on main street and walk together to the cemetery to honor those who have served our country. It is the walking that is part of the experience - a commitment to walk together to honor our loved ones. Anyway, you will see by my pictures that the parade and the whole service is special.

The event starts on main street with formation of the Dorrance American Legion and Auxiliary Post #334 and the bagpipe players. Matt is in the second row, he is holding a gun and is wearing sunglasses.

The kids decorate their bikes and ride in the parade. Garrett is second from the left, in the blue t-shirt that has American on the front. Notice the red, white and blue paper on his bike spokes. I also like this photo because the young girl on the left is sticking out her tongue at one of the boys. (You can click on any of these photos to see them in a larger view.)

Hallie and Anna wanted patiently on their bikes for the start of the parade.
Sam is in the back in his wagon.

The parade: Nancy is in the red shirt at the left, she is pushing Hallie. Susan is in the blue shirt on the right, she is pulling Sam in the stroller.

I looked back and this is what I saw. Notice my brother-in-law Greg in the middle, he has on the cowboy hat. Kevin and Sharon are on the left side of the photo, Sharon is in a red shirt and Kevin is pushing Avery's stroller, he has on a yellow shirt.

As we turned the corner to go in the cemetery the flags were blowing in the wind.

We had a mini flyover as we arrived at the cemetery. Tony Mahoney flew this refurbished plan. We also had a flyover from a C-135 during the ceremony.

Little Brooklyn slept through the service.

Garrett

Part of the crew during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner

Sam, Anna and Hallie

Matt is on the far left in the sunglasses.

Big Mick gave the speech. He shared the story behind the playing of taps. This photo was taken after the service, notice Garrett is on his bike in the background.

After the program at the cemetery, we all go to the American Legion Hall for refreshments. After Matt put down his gun from the firing squad, he then shifted to bar tender duties.

After the festivities, we all gathered at Susan's for the Memorial Day lunch.
Hallie and Nancy ate in the play park.

Joey and Debbie sharing a humorous moment.

Greg and Garrett worked on their shooting skills with Garrett's Red Rider BB gun.

Garrett aimed for the can laying in the grass.

Susan and grand daughter Avery. Yes, even Avery wore a red, white and blue outfit.

Sweet Avery

Anna wanted in the photo with her cousin Avery and grandma Susan

It was appropriate for Sam to wear the Uncle Sam hat. He even gave a salute.

Kevin taking a picture of me taking a picture of him.

Love birds - Joey and Kelly

Sam had a great time with the Uncle Sam hat.

The sunglass family - Greg, Jody and Debbie

Anna - right side up

Anna - upside down. She likes to do flips.

Later in the day, we made another trip to the cemetery. Anna was interested in the grave markers. My mom, Velma, showed Anna my Dad's grave.

The military marker on the backside Dad's stone.

Anna and Susan at Joe's grave site.

Six new flag polls were installed at St. Joseph's cemetery. Monday was a beautiful day.

Anna

Anna and Brooklyn

I knew that calm would not last, Anna and Brooklyn being Anna and Brooklyn.