Others relished more simple delights. Katherine Gracci, a 6-year-old member of local Girl Scout Troop 859, said that her personal highlight was “holding the banner.” Her fellow scout, Kristen Lane, 6, asked what she liked best about the parade, grinned and replied, “Marching in it!”

And the after-parade, a notoriously rowdy day in the village, was subdued this year. According to police Commissioner Charles Gennario, there were four arrests this year: one DWI, one disorderly conduct and two for narcotics.

“It was quieter than normal,” Gennario said. “Closing the bars early helped us. I’m thankful to the bars for cooperating with us.” Many bars closed at 1 a.m., Gennario said, and an increased police presence after the parade helped keep things in order.

For Murray, however, the parade’s greatest success is its sense of camaraderie. “I love the pipe bands, and seeing families, veterans, the whole community get together,” he said. “It’s a wonderful thing.”