Tue 1 Jun, 2010
This year was one of the first years in a long time that we didn’t go out of town on Memorial Day weekend. We had bought tickets to attend a Twin’s game on Sunday night so there wasn’t the time to leave town. That alone was a good enough reason to stay in town! Amazing game!
The other thing we were able to do because we were in town was attend the VFW Memorial Service held at the Columbia Heights City Hall. Council member, Bruce Nawrocki was the master of ceremonies. Mayor Peterson and Pastor Bob from Crest View shared words of remembrance.
After the ceremony the VFW provided a light lunch and it was there that we were able to visit with Kevin, who shared war stories and history. As I looked around the room there were several memorials to local heroes. Those heroes left behind mothers, fathers, wives, and children. They left behind unfulfilled dreams and plans for the future.
One story that was shared at our table was the story of my father-in-law’s trip to accompany a fallen comrade and deliver his body to the family. The hardest part of his trip was handing over the folded flag to his family.
Many people have lost their lives in numerous wars over the years. All we have left are the memories and the stories. It is important to keep those memories. Share those stories with your family.
Thank a vet. Not just on Memorial Day or Decoration Day as it used to be called. Let this be a time to be truly thankful for what we have.
