All photos are mine unless otherwise noted.
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Last Monday was Memorial Day and I was privileged in many ways to witness the parade in Rockport Maine, a small town on the coast that has a population of around three thousand. The parade was brief, perhaps 45 minutes with a stop for prayers and a rifle salute to honor the dead. This was visibly an important event and day in the lives of those who were there in the street and on the sidewalks.
All, paraders and spectators also participated to a great degree as you can see something of in a few photos below, were to these eyes proud and most American in a way I rarely saw in NYC during my years there. There were many stories in each face, of remembrance of years served in the armed forces, sadness in a few who had most likely lost loved ones in wars, but generally there was a feeling of "This is what we do every year, and it's a lovely day."
I witnessed small town America at its best where people joined together and remembered together those gone, and those who came back to be welcomed by the people they grew up with. Even though diversity was not visible I sensed that I was witness to the fulfillment of that which all imigratants aspired to, and which those who are here waiting on acceptance hope for.
For each dead soldier there are many stories about how the lives of the living are deeply affected by pain that may never be fully resolved. It was this knowledge that gave me the compassion that arose for all who lost someone they brought into this world, or loved while they were with us. It was a day of rembrance and pride not for patriotism alone, but for connections to all people everywhere as well.
Here is a song attributed to Woody Guthrie the iconic singer and song writer. It was written around 1938 and is the tale of a soldier who left his love here and went off to war, never to return and sending a message of hope to his love as a final testament to his dreams for them to be together.
I offer very little comment as the images speak for themselves.
Click to listen - https://app.box.com/s/fduo85c7ibom85ol3aod
Waiting for the parade.
The Honor Guard leads the procession.
Everyone who wants to march was glad to be invited or welcomed.
Everyone.
The guest band from a close by town with one drummer seemingly puzzled by the strange writing on his music sheet.
This is a married couple - their story is written on their hats and clothes.
The local Boy Scout Troop,
standing in salute during a minute of silence
coming from the bridge (left middle) where a ceremony was held.
I returned his salute and this man gave me a great smile in return.
Waiting on the parade coming down the hill.
I believe the dog at the left was making a statement,
as dogs are wont to do.
Afterwards - a man and his dogs.
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Some humor:
Until next week -
Peace, Bill Lagerstrom
