Memorial Day in my community has always been a very special occassion. The Parade from the Legion to the Community Center begins promptly at 9:45 am. A local pilot who has a restored WWII bomber begins by flying over the parade route. Everyone gathers at the Community Center for a short program featuring a speaker, Honor Roll of the Dead, music, etc. After the indoor program everone goes outside for the 21 gun salute, placing of the memorial wreath, more fly overs and balloon release ceremony. The Legion members march back to their hall where everyone is invited for refreshments. Several years ago a very nice memorial was created at the Community Center to honor those who have served their country in the Armed Services. Here is a link to our local Legion website that shows the beginnings of the Memorial, its dedication and the last few slides are from Memorial Day celebrations.
http://www.legionpost425.org/vet_memorial.html
Our family goes home after the service in town and packs up the car and heads out for one of the local lakes to do some family fishing. We fish until late afternoon and then head home as our town begins its two day celebration called "Whittemore Days" that is the official start to our summer.