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Monday, May 26, 2008

Celebrating Memorial Day

In our family, we are big Memorial Day celebrators. Rather, my Dad makes us big Memorial Day celebrators. My father, at 72, is the Historian for his local American Legion Hall. There are 12 or so members of his hall, mostly over the age of 65. They are mostly Korean War Vets.

Each year, the members march in his town’s parade commemorating the memories of community members who served in WWI, WWII, The Vietnam and Korean Wars, as well as our current war in Iraq.


Each year, I get the kids up out of bed early and, along with my husband, pick up my Mom and grab a sunny patch of sidewalk to watch “Hobba” pass by. The kids and I set up the chairs while my husband jumps into the diner (so old fashioned!) to grab coffees and hot chocolates for curbside viewing.
As the parade commences, the High School bands play…


And the Vets of the American Legion are not far behind! This year my Dad rode in the car… A crowd gathers at the town triangle to listen to local councilmen speak of the contributions of Vets both here and gone…Then it’s back to the hall where we celebrate with hot dogs and beans while we view the photos of all the Vets who have served…a pic of my Dad’s cap…

Generally, each Memorial Day starts with some grumbling about having to get up early and go off to watch, but I know when the day ends, my kids are proud of their “Hobba” and his service to our country. Because of my Dad, my children have a sense of gratitude towards those who have served. Also, they realize how important it is to say thanks to the memories of those we gave their lives for our country. Such a great lesson to learn from their much loved Hobba!


14 comments:

kelly said...

i love the name Hobba for a beloved grandfather! glad you all had a nice day together!

Mary said...

I am ... in awe. Memorial Days from my childhood were all about tradition and "decorating graves".

Since we live away from both our families, Memorial Day is just a Monday holiday.

I am very jealous of the parade, particularly ... oh, oh and the diner!

Tracy said...

You go all out for celebrating! It's actually great to see, and gets me a little teary-eyed. Living abroad now some years, I've not managed to be home for a visit around Memeorial Day. boo-hoo...Lovely photos, Tara. Glad you had a great day! ((HUGS))

Carletta said...

Hi Tara,
This is a lovely post. Many young kids today do not realize what Memorial Day means so I'm glad your kids are getting that understanding and what better way than by a very Patriotic "Hobba"

I didn't think many would do a Memorial Day post but I've been pleasantly surprised by yours and others.

CIELO said...

Good morning, Sunshine! I love all sort of parades; they're so much fun, aren't they.... I'm really thankfull to those men and woman who gave it all so that we could live in this amazing country and enjoy our freedom.... thanks for sharing...

Lovely day to you

cielo

CIELO said...

Good morning, Sunshine! I love all sort of parades; they're so much fun, aren't they.... I'm really thankfull to those men and woman who gave it all so that we could live in this amazing country and enjoy our freedom.... thanks for sharing...

Lovely day to you

cielo

Betty said...

I wish that our town had a Memorial Day parade. We do have a Veteran's Day parade though. Thank your Hobba for us!

Rue said...

Hi Tara :)

What a great place you live that they have a parade for the veterans! Please thank your dad for his service.

That diner is too cute :)

Have a beautiful day,
rue

Donna said...

What a wonderful post, and a great way to honor our vets!
Hugs,
Donna

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a wonderful way to spend the holiday. Just like it should be..
Penny

Unknown said...

Tara, you have such a storybook life, and the best part is you count your blessings. So many wonderful memories that you are embracing. Karen

Just A Girl said...

Hi Tara,
What a great history lesson for your kids. I always love listening to stories from older generations. They have so much wisdom to share and remind us that these events didn't happen that long ago.
Is that the town you live in? It looks darling!

Life on the Edge said...

There are Memorial Day parades in my hometown also. They also have a pancake breakfast before the parade.

The part of the parades that always gets to me is when the vets go by with the flag. I remember bursting into tears at the sight the first time I saw a parade after 9/11.

Mary said...

Oh Tara, I'm so glad you posted these pictures. Our parade has been cancelled this year. We are told that they will alternate years with our sister town (two towns in our township). I really missed it! I loved hearing about your traditions, and your "Hobba" sounds like a wonderful dad and granddad. Happy Memorial Day!
xoxo,
Mary