Memorial Day in a small town
I live in one of the smaller towns in Chenango County. While Otselic is far from the smallest town, (we’ve got German, McDonough and a few others beat) it’s a far cry from the larger areas like Norwich, Greene or Sherburne and the events that take place there.
Still, there is nothing like life in a small town, especially during Memorial Day weekend. Most people have probably seen their share of Memorial Day parades, but unless you’ve been to a small town like Otselic for one of these events, you haven’t fully experienced the day.
On Monday morning, I drove to South Otselic for the annual parade. As always, I, along with the rest of those in attendance, picked out a prime spot on one of the lawns along the main stretch of road in the middle of town. (No one seems to mind this intrusion onto their properties.)
Parked in a truck along the parade route was the emcee of all Otselic Valley events, James Dutton. It’s a well known fact that any event in the valley requiring an announcer, will be handled by Mr. Dutton, including sporting events, parades and whatever else may come up. None of these events would be the same without him.
The parade may not contain a ton of floats or marchers. In fact, it is usually made up of a few fire trucks, some groups of people marching, the school band and some ATVs. Occassionally we also see some tractors, horses or other animals. It might not seem like a lot, but I doubt there is another town in the world where the emcee can announce that the next truck will be driven by someone named “Oatmeal” and everyone in attendance knows exactly who to expect.
It might not have the glitz and glamor of some of the larger events, but it’s the little things that make me enjoy life in a small town.
May 26th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I totally agree Jessica. I grew up in McDonough and was able to attend this year’s parade after not seeing it for many years. Between running into old aquantances, running up to the cemetary to see the ceremony and gun salute (I believe it was a 12 gun salute instead of a 21 gun salute due to the number of riflemen), and going down to the fire station for the BBQ chicken, it was a great day. Perhaps it might have been due in part to this being my first time attending the parade I grew up with since I left the military years ago, but it was a very nastalgic day for me. I’ll be back next year for sure.
May 26th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
The McDonough firemen looked very sharp in their new dress uniforms!!!
June 9th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Jessica, I don’t know where to write this but this seems to be a good place. What is Memorial Day?? Besides the old time added you can properly wear white Showe, Picnics and Parades?? I live in Pa, but I came home for Memorial Day. I went to my family Cemetries as we have done as Children. I was so disapointed to see the shape that the South Plymouth Cemetry was in. Three families had mowed the grass to their loved ones graves. One of them was my Mom’s. How sad to see there is no respect for all thoses graves. Many of them are War Vet. Dating all the way back to the Revolution War. My Great Grandfather got shot doing the war.You could barely see his stone with al the weeds covering his stone. Where are the Flags?? Are there no Flags put on the Soldiers Graves in Chenango County?? Their Stones show that they have fought for our Country, But they do not have any flags to Say THANK YOU. Kirk Cemtry, South Plymouth and Pharsalia Center Should of all Had Flags. My Grandfather died in Germany in 1945. His name is on the Memorial in the Park in front of the Chenago County Court House. He has A Memorial Plaque in the Pharsalia Center Cemertry, for he was Buried in France, But No Flag!! Why. His Grandfather along with Brothers all Buried in the same Cemetry Fought the wars. NO Flags?? In the three cemetries that I named I know therer are Jackson’s, Monroe’s, Murray’s, Brazee’s and Hick’s that ALL EARNED OUR FLAG! Their graves should Be take in care of. Where is the VFW? If I am not mistaken they are surpose to have an American Flag that was Made in America On each Soldiers Grave. These men and wemen sacraficed their homes, families and lives for us.