For some, Memorial Day marks the first day of Little League Baseball, but for others, it tends to be a much more emotional day. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day honors all of those who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the US military forces. Growing up in a small town has majorly impacted the way that I look at Memorial Day, as well as implant several memories that I will forever associate with this holiday. With it being said that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and honor, one may feel as if Memorial Day should be filled with heartache and sorrow. Fortunately, I do not think this is so. I believe that Memorial Day should be filled with emotions of gratitude, honor, and a praising recognition. I believe that my small hometown of 12,000 residents celebrates Memorial Day perfectly, including my favorite things of this holiday:

Memorial Day parade.

Singing of the national anthem.

Baseball games.

Ending the day with a cookout.

The patriotism.

The parade is the perfect way to start the day. Made up of all little league baseball teams from T-ball to sixth graders, the high school marching band, 4-H clubs, veterans, the Mayor, and so much more. Washington Avenue is packed with neighbors, friends, and old teachers. Every way you look, you see the smiling faces of so many people you know.

Preceeding the candy-bursting parade, is the singing of the national anthem downtown in front of City Hall. I have always loved this part of the day as the entire community comes together to honor all US military members. You feel an energy running through you that you have never felt before as you stand and sing such a powerful song with so many people around you. It is almost like the world is actually standing still, and the only noise being made over the globe is in that circle of singers.

All day long, the little league teams battle it off across the baseball fields lined with fans. You can hear clapping and cheering all across town, with the occasional echo of the ding of a bat. They say that baseball is America’s pastime, so why not honor America’s past through baseball?

No other cookout compares to a Memorial Day cookout. Of course, there is the typical hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta salad, fresh fruit, you name it, but it’s the spirit of the holiday that makes the occasion amazing. With everybody dressed in red, white, or blue eating off of patriotic plates and playing kickball in the backyard, it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday and truly feel the freedom of our country.

The patriotism that overflows all over town is by far my favorite part of not only Memorial Day but the entire weekend. There is not a single telephone pole that does not support a waving American flag or perfectly tied bow. I love seeing little kids waving hand-held flags as they sit on the curb of the street and watch the parade pass by. The festival desserts are also something to comment on with their strawberry and blueberry toppings. The entire day is full of honor and pride from the inside, out.