Back home the small town Memorial parade had the usual accoutrements of old vets trying to squeeze into old uniforms, decorated firetrucks, scouts from Eagle to Brownies, convertibles, horses and politicians.
One annual feature was the Highlanders bagpipe and drum corp from Melha Shrine Temple in Springfield, MA. About 10 drummers and 20 pipers in full Scottish regalia and really quite impressive although they usually freaked the horses.
The Shriners in town would throw a barbecue, after the parade and ceremony at the town cannon, for the band. It was usually at my Dad's house because he had a big yard, pool, room for lots of parking (including the Shriners bus) and a 34x24 carport in case the weather went to hell as it's wont to do on Memorial Day. He also had tone deaf neighbors.
They'd drink and eat and drink and play bocce and drink and laugh and drink. At least once every hour anywhere from 3 to 20 pipers would decide it was time to play Amazing Grace. Early in the day this would be very somber and call for another round of drinks to toast the departed. Well let me tell you, after about 10 hours it got down right maudlin.
