From the small town of my childhood, I have memories of the annual parade. It was different than the Independence Day festivities, which really were a big noisy celebration.
In the small towns, there is genuine solemnity around Memorial Day. I recall how all the veterans and the ladies connected to the veterans -- don't know what the organization was, but to this day I see the elderly ladies marching in formal uniform outfits -- would bring an anchor-shaped flower memorial wreath to the bridge over the river, and drop the wreath into the running water.

Kids remember ceremonies like that.