Just Musing: May is a month for celebrations and reminiscing

May is/has been a busy month. I believe it ranks right there with December when it comes to trying to attend/ squeeze every invitation or personal obligations to special events. I have had invitations to prom send offs, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, graduations and open houses either following graduation or at a later date, weddings, baby showers and more. And then my personal needs with doctor appointments, hospital visits for tests for an upcoming procedure and attending funeral services for longtime friends among others.

Each year I put together grave saddles to place on the headstone of my late husband and two deceased children before Memorial Day. I really would rather to put live flowers but the distance to water them regularly is not feasible − especially with the cost of gas these days.

Oh, but for the good old days of Memorial Day

Speaking of Memorial Day, unfortunately it is not celebrated as it was when I was growing up. I remember all of our family putting on our best clothes and standing on the sidewalk to watch the high school band, American Legion honor guard, floats by churches, scouts and various clubs as they marched from the local school to the cemetery − a little over 2-mile march.

Later, when I was in junior high I was among those marching as a member of the band. Our family then jumped in the car and drove to the local cemetery for the services there where most of the area’s residents also gathered. I remember our dad warning us that it was a very solemn time and we were not to talk or act up or there would be consequences when we got home. Everyone stood for the entirety of the service − no lawn chairs.

Today, the few who attend bring their folding lawn chairs, seek out folks who may have returned to their hometown for the event and visit before and following the services. With the consolidation of schools, area villages collaborate the times and date of their service so the school band may participate.

Memorial Day will be celebrated Monday, May 27. The holiday also is considered as the kickoff for the summer and vacations, family cookouts and more. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. Folks would cut any fresh flowers they had in their yard or go searching through the woods to find a handful of flowers to lay on the grave of their loved ones. I remember dad cutting peonies to lay on the graves of my grandparents and an uncle who was killed in World War II. The holiday has evolved to now remember and honor all deceased family and friends.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated in May, too

Another May holiday that is pretty much overlooked is Armed Forces Day. It is observed on the third Saturday in May. The purpose of this day was to unite the various military branches and to support the troops defending this great nation and our freedoms. My hope is each of you will take a moment to remember and express gratitude to those who are currently serving on foreign soil. Today’s military desperately need our support today.

A word of caution for those hosting graduation open houses and serving alcohol, you can be held responsible if you permit minors to imbibe and then let them drive away. Please be responsible. Celebrating the milestone of your child is a big event. If you know a minor or your own child has been drinking, take their keys, have them call their parents to come get them or offer to drive them home.

Let me leave you with this quotation by Oliver Wendell Holmes: “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one Nation, evermore!” Remember to commemorate the fallen men and women who have and are currently braving their lives for this nation.

Until next week, be safe and be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: May is filled with celebrations and observances