What was on your mind Memorial Day?

This year I had the opportunity to attend Memorial Day Services in Zell. What a wonderful opportunity that was. I don’t believe I have ever been in the Zell Community Center before and appreciated my first visit there for several reasons.

First and foremost was the large number of people who were in attendance at the program with children of varying ages. How pleasant to see. Too many times I think Memorial Day Programs are poorly attended. Everyone is happy to have the three day weekend but few recall why they have that extra day.

I can recall as a child going to Marion, Ohio with my maternal Grandparents for Decoration Day. What an event that was. Entire families and multi generations were present at the cemeteries. They even had brought lunches to have. As a child I thought it was a party. Now that I understand what it was all about I still think it was a celebration of sorts. A celebration of those who were willing to give their lives so that we the living could have so much and our Freedom.

The second reason I enjoyed my visit was the human aspect that went into the program. Children and adults of all ages actually participated. I thought that was really nice.

Another reason, and perhaps that one that gets me most every time was the roll call of those who gave of their lives in each major conflict. I was touched to hear the same family name repeated so many times over the years and awed by the true sacrifice the tiny town of Zell and it’s ancestral settlers made. Still today it brings tears to my eyes as did the playing of taps and the 21 gun salute that day.

And yet again, I find reason to appreciate my visit, those who were present and a part of the ceremony. Again there was a wide range of ages and experience representing many of those who had passed before, their friends, their family.

I don’t know if you were able to attend a Memorial Day Program or if the lure of the lake and whatever else pulled you in. If you didn’t, I hope you will take the time to think of those who served and those who are still serving.