DCHS marching band, circa 1960
At least one of my sisters was in this particular high school band. The avenue on which they are marching is now a four-lane, and cars can no longer park along the shoulders. We know it is at least 1959, since in the lower right there is a 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne coupe, and, judging from the shadows, we know it is near noontime. This photo was taken with 120 black and white film.
But the features I have noted are not what most interested me when I examined this scene. If you can, look closely at the two men on either side of a scarved woman on the other side of the Biscayne. Note what the men are doing–they are holding their hats over their chests. What are they looking at? It certainly isn’t the band. The next photo will reveal all.
Band, followed by honor guard
In this photo, you can just make out the honor guard to the rear of the band. This day, which could have been Armistice Day (now Veteran’s Day) or Memorial Day, was only about fifteen years after the end of WWII, and about half that number of years from the cessation of hostilities in Korea. The two men took off their hats as the flag was passing, and they stood at attention. How often do you see that today? Not so much. Some changes are not so good.
