Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day


Our small town has an incredible Memorial Day service each year. We gather in the cemetery around the area where the flag pole, our historical marker and the angel sculpture are.

The angel was carved from the trunk of a tree that had died.

Our cub scout troop raises the flag. Ministers or representatives from each church give an address (they rotate from year to year whose turn it is) and offer prayers. Members of our 4-H clubs present a program, and most importantly, our veterans are recognized.

Sadie presented the Navy flag as part of the program.

It is a time when our community comes together to honor those who have sacrificed and gone before us. It's a time of reunion and homecoming. It's a time when we visit family members' graves and show our kids who is buried where. It's a time when we tell stories and remember all of those who have been part of our lives.


T.S. helped mom put out flowers this year. He was quite pleased with himself. Sadie used to talk mom and Nonnie into letting her take the "old" flowers home. She wanted to help, but she needed to find out what her role in the program was.

This year there was a good turnout. Our population of World War II veterans is slowly declining. It was neat to see multiple generations of families sharing in tradition that makes our town unique.

My sister wrote a beautiful post here; she pretty much said all I wanted to say.

3 comments:

Mary Lanigan Russo said...

Hi Laura! You have won the "Tea Time" note cards from the drawing on my blog!

Please contact me at mlrphotos @ mac.com with your mailing address and I will send them out tomorrow.

Thank you again for your lovely comments. I have enjoyed reading your blog, also!

Mary Lanigan Russo
www.thephotoseen.blogspot.com

Granny Sue said...

The angel is so lovely, Laura. It is touching that your town remembers and cares for the graves together.

Laura said...

Granny Sue--
That is one of the great advantages to living in a small town. Everyone takes care of each other.