Just Musing: Memorial Day memories and summer fun
Memorial Day is being observed this weekend around the country. I can smell the bratwurst, spare ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks and more already cooking on the backyard grill.
Family and friends will gather for the first hurrah of summer with picnics, swimming if warm enough, playing yard games and more.
Some will attend annual services to observe Memorial Day at local cemeteries and some areas will have a parade leading to the cemetery for the services honoring those deceased who have gone on to their heavenly rewards.
I remember as a child getting all spruced up after breakfast and standing along side the road waiting for the parade to pass by our house en route to the cemetery where someone gave a speech honoring those who died serving their country, a wreath was laid and a firing squad played taps.
I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to be one of those in the band and marching in that parade. That dream came true the year I was in seventh grade. The band director chose six in my class to join the band midwinter and instructed us to procure our pants, shirts, tie and shoes in preparation for our first marching experience. A local department store had all the items we needed — gray slacks, white shirt, red tie and white shoes. The band jackets were furnished by the school and were red and gray Eisenhower style. A band hat completed our uniform. I couldn’t wait for the parade that year. It was so exciting to be a member of the high school band and participate in that yearly tradition.
Originally called Decoration Day, early traditions and one I remember is decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, I still observe this tradition and have expanded it to include all my departed family members and not just those who served their country.
Whatever you might do to observe the holiday Monday, please do so safely. News sources are reporting a surge in numbers of new cases in the Buckeye state. You can still get COVID even if vaccinated. For me, it is time to get out the masks and wear everywhere I go — inside or outside. I have a compromised immune system and just know with my luck I would be very sick if I contracted the disease. Some folks believe if you get it once you are safe. Not true. I know someone who has had it three times and currently battling it again. I believe health officials who say it will never go away. Please don’t comment or attack me for stating this. We are all entitled to our own opinion. I respect yours and ask that you respect mine.
A new disease, monkeypox, is now looming on the horizon. From what I’ve read and heard from health officials, this rare disease is similar to smallpox but somewhat milder. The illness usually begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph glands, chills and fatigue. Makes you wonder what disease will pop up next.
Many public swimming pools will open for the season this weekend. When I lived in Prospect the park and pool were right behind my house. I loved the sound of the kids having fun and the sound of them jumping from the high dive. Unfortunately, we often heard the high dive in the middle of the night when mischievous teens would jump the fence and take a swim after hours.
If you choose to travel this holiday weekend, please drive safely.
Let me leave you with this quotation by the late Helen Keller: “So long as the memory of certain friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.”
Until next week, be safe. Happy Memorial Day.
Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Just Musing: Memorial Day memories and the unofficial start of summer
