Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 The alarm went off at 0430, and without hesitation my feet hit the floor. A quick shower, then a knock on the Kid's door - "I'm tying my shoes, Dad - be right out!" Coffee mug and thermos filled and we were off. At sunrise we arrived at the cemetery in the small farming town of Reedley. It's become a tradition for the two of us to make the annual pilgrimage every Saturday before Memorial Day, where we quietly join in with members of the American Legion and a few local young people to put up flags... with nary a soul knowing us. And these are not the small hanky-sized banners, but actual casket flags donated by families of veterans buried there... each labeled with the veteran's name, branch, and either years of service or war. I can't help myself; I have to read every one I handle, and seem to feel some connection with the "owner" of the flag. One in particular caught my eye, labeled with the name, then "WW-I AAF." The morning was perfect; clear, a bit cool, and breezy. With the wind the wooden poles bent, and the flags snapped smartly with a sharp fluttering that was like a muted symphony - more than five hundred fifty of them! *~Flags~* Yup... the morning was perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apache Hawk 60642 Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Good on you Hardpan....... Good on you and yur son !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Thanks Hardpan. And thanks to all those that served. Allergies again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Ears Wilson, SASS #77948 Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Heck, HP, you were in my neck of the woods. Send me a message next time you're in town I'll take you out for some Mexican food. BTW, good for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 I remember doing that in the 60s with my dad and the guys from the VFW post. I wish I had listened to their stories with more attention. One thing that was confusing to me in my youth was that I had been taught to call them Mr. Fecto, Mr. Jurgensmeyer, Mr. Douglass, and so on. But they kept telling me to call them Frenchie, Dutch, Mel, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bama Red Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 God Bless you and the Kid, Hardpan! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calgary Kate, SASS #33287 Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Excellent!! Leaves you rather speechless. This morning we attended our community's dedication of the Wall of Valor, honoring those from Kern County KIA WWI through last month. Pretty powerful and sobering ceremony. But, at the same time, nice to see this community drive effort achieved. It's a really nice tribute. Remembering those who served and those currently in harm's way... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harvey Mushman Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Wonderful Hardpan - leaves me speechless and emotional, too. What a great tribute you have in Reedley! It seems that so many of our small towns bear a disproportionate number of our vets and fallen comrades - and also those that so devotedly remember them.... Thank you and your son for so willingly assuming and executing this responsibility. HM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted May 29, 2011 Author Share Posted May 29, 2011 Thanks, folks... but we just went to help a little. I'm aways impressed by the teenagers who turn out to work - mostly cadets and other high school aged kids... Dawg Ears, if you're in town this weekend, take a drive by and reflect for a moment... and mebbe we'll see ya out there next year! Just show up by 0630 or so (takes a bit to get 'em out and ready) and join in... then after, if ya know a good local spot for breakfast... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Ears Wilson, SASS #77948 Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 I've driven by a few times already and it looks real nice. May God bless those who've fallen in service to our great country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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