My husband is always telling me that our kids have no idea how lucky they are to live the life they do. We live in Sandwich Village, which in itself is pretty great. But we don't live on Old Main Street, or in one of those fabulous old sea captain's mansions that surround the neighborhood. In fact, the houses on our street (all 10 of them) were built after 1960. So not particularly historic!
The reason we think our kids are so lucky, is because they get to grow up in a real-life Norman Rockwell painting. From our house our kids can (and do) walk to school, the ball fields, a tennis court, the library, all the downtown museums, the boardwalk and Town Neck beach. But the best of all is being able to walk to a parade.
Last week we anxiously awaited the arrival of Memorial Day. Not just because it marks the 'official' start of Summer on the Cape, or because it means a day off from school and work, but because we get to witness American patriotism at it's best: The Sandwich Memorial Day Parade.
Everyone loves a parade, but I think Sandwich does it best. The Memorial Day parade in Sandwich is steeped in tradition, rich in pomp and circumstance, and offers just enough candy-throwing to generate squeals from the little ones!
With our nation still at war, marking a National holiday such as Memorial Day takes on added significance. Listening as the school band plays The Star Spangled Banner; Watching the wreaths being placed at each of the war memorials; Feeling the reverberation in your chest during the "Rendering Honors" gun salute; Tasting your first mini Tootsie Roll of the season. These are the sensory experiences we anticipate and enjoy each Memorial Day in Sandwich.
The parade in Sandwich can't claim to be the largest Memorial Day parade in Massachusetts, and probably wouldn't even get the distinction of being named the smallest, but it's got heart. The citizens of Sandwich who come out each Memorial Day to witness this annual march are not only honoring the men and women who bravely served our country, but are also preserving their memory and history for generations to come.
God Bless America, and God Bless Sandwich!
3 comments:
hi sandy, i am going to read your blog because my sis is getting married in Bourne this September. we hope to have a few days to check out the cape. good luck blogging :)
Thanks for your support. I'm new at this blogging thing, so bear with me!! If you have any specific questions on things to do, places to go, etc... just let me know. I'd love to help in any way I can. I have a couple good ideas if you need info. on bachelor/bachelorette parties or rehearsal dinner ideas too.
Feel free to check out some of the links that are attached to my blog - they provide good info on hotels/B & Bs as well as other businesses on the Cape that might be of interest to you and your sister.
Thanks again for your support - check in often!
Sandy
CORRECTION: The Sandwich School band played "Anchors Away" during the parade, not "The Star Spangled Banner". Just trying to stay honest!!
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