“I remember many Memorial Days – that was a big day. In those days it was like an intramural day between the schools in town – races, sack races, tag races – everything went on, under the sponsorship of the American Legion. I remember those going in the morning, a big parade – everybody decorated their car up with bunting and everything else, and the Ladies Band used to play riding on Lester Burnham’s truck…I would guess that at least ninety-eight percent of the inhabitants of Hampton were at the center of town for a minimum of six hours during that day, or maybe longer. Picnic lunch, band concerts, in fact, I think the Ladies Aid sold lunch in the old chapel – it was a regular outing day.”
George Fuller, from “Hampton Remembers”
Today, most of the traditions from this turn-of-the-century remembrance remain. A parade featuring our soldiers, our veterans, the selectmen, the scouts, the historical society’s fife and drum corps, floats from organizations, children on bicycles, the school band, antique cars, fire trucks, tractors, horses — all representing our community – our spirit of volunteerism, our agricultural roots, our leaders, our heroes, our youth. And then a ceremony, a gun-salute, Taps, a speech, awards and recognitions, prayers and songs, as we gather together to give thanks to those who have given their lives for ours.
I think back over the years of all the Memorial Day parades that I attended. First, as a kid riding my bike in the parade. Loved that free ice cream at the General Store after the parade. Then I marched, playing my flute, in the parade. Loved that free ice cream at the General Store. Then I rode my horse, Major, in the parade for several years. He was gun shy and often reared at the sound of the rifles so I always had to ride him further down on 97 so he wouldn’t get out of hand. Loved that ice cream at the General. Some will remember years ago, after every parade and chicken barbecue, there was always a well-attended softball game. The single guys against the married men. It was always a bunch of fun! I was sad to see it fade away when it did, but all things come to an end. My daughter’s birthday fell on Memorial Day once when she was little so it became a tradition for me to go to my mom’s in the center of town and watch the parade and then have a cookout later at her house for family and friends that wanted to stop by. The door was open to all. Had many “drop-ins” visiting that day, which was always great. Today as a senior citizen, I watch the parade from my yard and sometimes see childhood friends, but always enjoy hearing the speeches as the town gathers to pay respect to those who died while serving their country. I do look forward to when the town can gather again for the next Memorial Day Parade.
Kathy Thompson
My favorite thing about Memorial Day was riding my horse with my friends in the parade. And Mr. Russell handing out ice cream. I was too young to appreciate the reason for the holiday at the time, but I always knew it was special.
Kristen Hoffman Hembree
Some of my fondest memories were washing and waxing up the fire trucks and being in the parade. Always a very proud moment, you felt like you really belonged to a special group. Of course, everyone congregating at Loew’s farm for the get together afterwards for burgers and ice cream.
Mike Vadnais
How many of our kids were scouts or on sports teams and marched in the parade, then got to meet Smokey the Bear?!? Good fun!
Robin Dupre
I have always looked forward to Memorial Day from the time I was a young child – the family reunions, BBQs, ball games, and of course our town parade which is probably Hampton’s most attended event. It’s the one time of year we get to reconnect with so many who have moved away, but always come back for our parade.
Diane Becker
The Memorial Day Parade was always the feature event of the Spring for our family. I’m pretty sure I marched when I was very little, rode my bike, played in the band, and many years rode my horse. I remember it was a trick to get ice cream and hustle back down Hampton Hill to get far enough away that the gun salute wouldn’t scare the horses.
Meghan Chapman Thompson
During one of the earlier parades I helped on, Charlie Halbach was driving his 1935 Packard in the parade as usual. I joined him by jumping in half way to the Town Hall. It was so fun, until the Packard conked out! I got out and started pushing it. Some others joined in until we reached Town Hall. Then it was just me pushing while Charlie steered the car into his driveway. We hot-footed back to the ceremony in time for the opening. Another Memorial Day that sticks out was early on as well. It rained a lot. Folks were waiting to see if it would let up. It didn’t. After much consideration, and the fact thunder could be heard, I had to make a call. Inside we’d have to go. Thank God for Walt Stone. He got help with setting up chairs in the Parish house. The place quickly was packed, the ceremony started, and the Parish Hill band came marching in. Great teamwork on everyone’s part!
Jo Freeman
I remember walking with the girl scouts in the parade. Watching the Veterans marching by. 4-H groups. I liked helping with the Grange Chicken BBQ. Afterwards.
Joanne Pearl Page
One of my best memories of a Memorial Day was when my Mom was in the Hampton Community Players and they did the production of “Ben Franklin in Paris” and were able to ride on the float for the parade. Mom had such fun! That whole experience was so memorable for her. Another favorite part, that makes me get choked up, is the riderless horse, with the boot backwards in the stirrups.
Becky Burell Gagne
Growing up in Hampton, Memorial Day was my favorite holiday. May dad was always in the Fire Department so riding in the fire truck was my favorite for a while. When I got a little older, marching with the cub scouts, or with the little league team was the highlight. I remember detailing our bikes and riding them being the highlight at some point. At those ages, I recall the service to be horribly boring as we did not understand what it was all about, but each year we learned a little more and began to respect the service for what it is meant to be. Once I was old enough to join the fire department, driving the forestry truck or one of the service trucks was by far the most fun for me and a few of my friends…I was hoping that there would be a parade this year so that my son could start his collection of memories of my favorite day of the year in Hampton.
Joey Ameer
My favorite parts were any that helped honor the ultimate sacrifice of all American veterans of all wars. I guess because I never served, I owed them an even larger debt of appreciation. I’ve played Taps every year since 4th grade; that is the greatest honor I can give them. It has felt the same to me every time since then. That is how I can serve them.
Neal Moon
Like everyone, I have many wonderful memories of Memorial Day in Hampton – carrying flags or marching in the parade, the free ice cream. We always had a family eat-out and ended the day by visiting the cemeteries in town to remember relatives and friends that had passed. But I think the thing I’d like to contribute is this: Memorial Day left a lasting impression on me because it was a time to learn and be reminded about patriotism and service to our country and about gratitude. I have cherished memories of the whole town standing at the memorial and listening to Taps. It really brought home to me the sacrifices so many made for our country and that I had a debt to many people. It made me want to give back in everything I do – even if it’s only a little way. I felt back then (and still do today) so grateful for those sacrifices and being so proud to be from a town that does not forget.
Debbie Fuller