Memorial Day 2006

HOW TO OBSERVE

"........gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868"

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Since we were young kids, we began every Memorial Day the same way. Up early, a quick breakfast (for 7 kids???) and a drive to Union Cemetery to the gravesite of the founders of the Lamster-Newman VFW Post. We would count the number of flags we saw on the way to keep ourselves occupied on the long drive. We'd be sure to wear one of the poppies that dad had been out selling the previous weekend.

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We were taught decorum and respect for the flag at these types of events at quite a young age. Once we arrived, we'd get to visit with all the VFW Members (and they were YOUNG! back then), & the other VFW kids who were their with their parents.

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Joyce and Otto Stibbe were always our favorites. Otto would give us a wooden nickel or or a sucker or some small freebie he had collected and make us laugh or promise us a "pup tent" and Joyce would give each of us a huge hug while handing out the American Flags to everyone.

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Then Otto and dad would huddle near the trunks of their cars and off-load the rifles and flags. They'd make sure each member knew their assignment for the day - we were not allowed to interrupt! But if dad caught our eye - he'd always give us a smile.

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Then the Officer of the Day would shout "Fall IN"! The VFW Members would line up with the American Flag, Post Colors, and rifles. The balance of the members followed. The Ladies Auxillary (to which mom belonged) fell in behind them (so they could keep an eye on their kids, I'm sure!). The respectable silence that followed was a given. Off we'd march up the curving hill to the gravesite. It seemed like a mile for those of us with short legs and little feet!

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When we arrived, the VFW Ritual began:

"As long as two comrades survive - so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead. "

"On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. This grave represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed. Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men - an expression of our tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism. By their services on land, on sea and in the air they have made us their debtors - for the flag of our nation still flies over a land of free people."

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I will always remember that part - so thought-provoking, even now.

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After the last of the red, white and blue carnations were placed on the grave and we saluted the Colors, we knew that the rifles would be fired. So for the littlest ones, mom and Joyce and some of the other Auxillary ladies would stand behind us and put their hands over our ears for each round that was vollyed. After Taps was played, everyone could "fall out". This was the fun part for the kids. We would get to run out to where the rifles had been fired and pick up the blank shells. All the kids scrambled to find at least one. It was like an Easter Egg hunt, and if one of the little ones couldn't find one, usually an older child would give them one of theirs. (I never knew until recently, that it was really a ploy to get them all picked up! They had to account for each spent shell!!)

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We'd march back down the winding hill and we were finally allowed to talk out loud! Over the years, things have changed - for a while Taps was played on a "Boom Box", until they purchased one of the new electric bugles; many of the veterans needed to drive up the hill in their cars; and the firing of the guns no longer frightened us.

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Recently the number of attendees have dwindled - while once there were easily 100 members and their families at this small Memorial Service - today there were about 30. Kids grew up - moved away - many WWII and Korean War veterans from the post have passed away. Many are just too old or weak to make it. Most of our family still manage to be there every year. They've brought their kids when they were babies- holding their hands over their tender ears - teaching them what is important. Many of those grandkids continue to join us.

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This year, it was as solemn and dignified as it was when we were young. Below are a few pictures from today's service. Nanook and brother Jack had the honor of being on the rifle squad once again. (not enough members) Dad was not able to call the commands this year, due to his illness and fatigue. He stood at attention as best he could fighting the effects of chemo and radiation and proudly placed the white flower for his fallen comrades. He gave a sharp, respectful salute.

...And this is how we observe Memorial Day.

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