Memorial Day

Today was Memorial Day, so public holiday!
The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, is that on Veteran's Day, we think of those in the armed forces serving now, whereas, Memorial Day is the memorial for those who have died.
We went for a walk in downtown Annapolis, and then watched the Memorial Day parade. I was expecting a bit of a solemn march, but actually it was a bit more carnival like. Children and parents were wearing stars and stripes themed clothing, waving flags, bagsing the shady bits of the street, and eating ice creams. In the parade there was a Navy marching band, and some Vietnam veterans, various cadets, scouts, Miss XX's (Maryland and Virginia?), and various local personalities. Among other things, were the sheriff, the riot police, some old fashioned fire engines, a church, I think a Bolivian community club doing some really energetic dancing, some car clubs, a skipping rope club, a marching band and flag twirlers, and the police to finish off. We didn't get to the ceremony (possibly a flag raising?) at the same park that we watched the Maryland Day flag raising at.
One side effect of the debacle at the stadium is that initially son number 1 refused to be anywhere near the parade, due to fear of loud bangs. We're hoping that wears off.