The 2012 Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade in the Presidio was much like the ones that came before it and just as wonderful. In the early morning the flag on the Parade Ground is first raised and then lowered to half mast.

We gathered in the parking lot near the flag and waited. Marching units from local military schools, a military band, and various veterans, all in full uniform, began to form into groups and were slowly ushered into their place by parade organizers.

By parade time there is a small gallery of onlookers, mostly veterans and their families. The band strikes up and we begin the short parade into the cemetery.

The cemetery is in full decoration. Flags of various sizes fly all ‘round. We loop up through the cemetery and park our cars behind the spectators seating. Everyone seems to like the cars. We get a lot of thumbs-up gestures and photos. Old timers come by to swap stories about the fun they had riding in the rumble seat of the family Model A or to ask, "What year is it?"

The Ceremony begins. Prayers are offered, there are patriotic songs and speeches honoring the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for their country. Fortunately, political speeches by local politicians are kept to a minimum. The day is dedicated to celebrating our military and honoring our veterans, not a bunch of blustering politicians.

Following the twenty-one gun salute and closing remarks we journeyed up to the Presidio Golf Club for lunch and a little celebration of our own. It was a wonderful day. It was a day of remembrance. We were glad we came and played a part.

Photos by Steve Owsley