Memorial Day 2017

East Lyme remembered those who have died for our country with their annual Memorial Day Parade.  Unfortunately the weather didn't really cooperate and it rained throughout the parade.  It didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm, however.

Honor Guard

East Lyme HS Marching Band

Humvee's

New London Firefighter Pipe and Drums

Uncle Sam

Puppeteers

UCONN Storrs, CT  2015

I think if everyone in the world carried around a puppet, the world would be a much happier place.  I talked with a few of the attendees at the Puppet Festival, or should I say I talked to their puppets.  Needless to say it was a bit confusing, and in that confusion, I neglected to get any names or stories behind the puppets and puppeteers.  I need to do a much better job of getting a little more information when I venture into the area of actually making portraits.

Let the Parade Begin

UCONN, Storrs, CT  3015

Everyone standing around watching the puppets get organized for their big pageant was recruited to participate.  Who doesn't like walking in a parade?  Anyone who wanted to carry a puppet or a banner became part of the festivities.

Puppets

UCONN, Storrs, CT  2015

If you mention the University of Connecticut to anyone in this state and they immediately think of the  outstanding women's and men basketball programs.  But in addition to their athletic programs and academics, UCONN has a world renown program in the field of puppet arts. The university is the home to the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry. Recently the Puppet Arts Program hosted an international conference on puppet arts, which culminated with a pageant featuring some pretty fanciful puppets.  I never knew you could get a BA degree in puppetry.  

Memorial Day Parade 2014 - Niantic

The Memorial Day parade in Niantic (East Lyme) CT is no doubt typical of parades played out all across the country to celebrate Memorial Day.  It had all the elements of a Memorial Day parade.  Some of which I've highlighted here.  There was the local high school marching band.

Antique automobiles carrying esteemed veterans....

a pipe band....

another pipe band...

By the way, does anyone else feel that bagpipes should only be allowed to play "Danny Boy" and "The Minstrel Boy"?  Our patriotic songs don't translate well to  bagpipes.  Just sayin'...

There were politicians, in this case the Governor of Connecticut,  Dannel P Malloy who was kind enough to wave to me, even though I didn't vote for him.  He is up for re-election this year.

And finally.... just about every local business was represented.  

All in all it was fun time and a nice way to celebrate Memorial Day.