Memorial Day Weekend

In years past, Dave and I would camp with his family on Memorial Day Weekend, then attend the service at the Soldiers Field Memorial on Monday.  It was a tradition that we followed for many years.  This year, there were so many things that we needed to attend, that camping just didn't fit in.

Dave and I have been on the committee to get the Bell of Honor ready for it's unveiling.  For those who don't know, the Bell of Honor is a 3000 pound, 101 year old bell, that two brothers in town purchased to be able to ring at funerals of the fallen, as well as veterans, police, firefighters and EMT.   Friday the committee was invited to Algona, Iowa, to Aluma.  This is the factory that custom made the trailer to house the bell, as well as up to four motorcycles.  The owners shut down the factory for the afternoon to allow their employees to view the final product with the graphics and bell.  It was a wet ride on the way back, but it was a great day seeing and talking to these people who were so proud of their work, and impressed they were a part in this project.

Saturday was the DAV's Thank a Vet Celebration.  Again, we were asked to set the bell up for display.  It drew a crowd.  One person that saw it on his way past, and turned around to see it closer is a gentleman from Dover, Delaware.  I saw him having difficulty looking at some things on a table and went to help him out.  In our conversation, I discovered he was a Air Force Vet, now working with the incoming families of the fallen at Dover Air Force Base.  We had gone there to view the dignified transfer, the witnessing of our sons body returning from overseas.  He was in the area for a funeral of an MIA Airman shot down in the Vietnam War, whose body was discovered last year.  We had a nice conversation, he was able to understand a families view, and we were able to put a different face to a place we have grown to despise.  Afterward we had a nice picnic with family, and Sunday was spent with our soon to be son in laws family.

Memorial Day was, and may always be, the most difficult.  Seeing Curtis' name on the wall always takes my breath away.  Sitting with family and friends, we listened to the main speaker, our Pastor, talk of the community support following Curtis' funeral.  Pastor Wahl is a wonderful orator, and the story is beautiful.  So many people lined streets as the funeral procession passed for 65 miles to his resting place.  That was only the beginning of the show of support we have received.

After the service, once again the Bell of Honor was brought in for it's dedication.  It is an impressive sight, my only wish is that we never have to ring it for another fallen soldier or marine.

The VFW had a pig roast and band afterward.  We had a great afternoon of conversation and laughs with some wonderful people.  When I speak of a 'New Life', this is what it is about, a lot of sadness, but mostly good.  I am blessed to have so many people to have walked into my life.