Before the tourists show up. Before the mob scene in Thomaston every July 4th and before the giant commercial endeavor that is the annual Rockland Lobster Festival. Memorial Day is an intimate, small-town celebration of heroes and each town honors its own.
In Camden, there is a small ceremony on the Public Landing
Then comes a parade, led by an Honor Guard and the Cub Scouts.
They paused here by the village green to lay a wreath at the veterans' memorial.
A moment of silence; a trumpet player stepped from the ranks of the high school band...
...and played Taps while the wreath was laid.
The rifle salute nearly caused Wilson the Agoraphobic Goldendoodle to spontaneously evacuate.
Then the parade moves on. Thing Two is there in the center with the tenor sax. By the time this day is out the kids from Camden Hills will have played for ceremonies in Rockville, West Rockport, Camden, Rockport and Lincolnville and marched in two parades.
There were old cars...
...and the Little Leaguers...
...and every single damn fire engine in the town department...
...and time to say thank you.
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