When it comes to holiday celebrations,
I feel fortunate that I grew up in a small city where nearly everybody came out to celebrate important events together. Memorial Day was one of those special times in my hometown of Jefferson City, Missouri, and I remember going downtown in the morning to watch the parade. I would be wearing a red paper poppy that the American Legion sold every year, attached to my shirt with a straight pin. It was a sea of red, white and blue, lots of flags and uniforms and military music. After the parade, we spent the afternoon with friends and family, somebody barbequing, my dad and his friends sharing war stories, literally. At some point my dad would gather us four kids to sing “Off we go into the wild blue yonder. . .”
I knew it was an important day, even as a child.
Though it was years later before I realized the significance of the day for my dad, a World War II veteran. By the time my dad died, my brother, sisters and cousins were spread all over the country. I had found my way to Texas, and those Memorial Day celebrations that can only happen in a small town were everybody knows everybody, are just special memories.
Years later, working at
Samaritan Center,
Memorial Day is again, meaningful and really special, because I have the pleasure of working with several veterans. I know that this is a somber day for them, remembering battles, friendships, fallen friends and family members. As I remember my dad and my grandfather this weekend, I will also be thinking of the
veterans on our staff, Board of Trustees and Advisory Board who served our country and who have chosen to
be involved at Samaritan Center as a way to honor and support others who have served. What an honor it is to work with all of you.
Grateful to all who served,
Cindy
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