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!