Memorial Day is often filled with parades, celebrations honoring those who have paid the ultimate price serving the nation, family and friends cooking-out, and kids testing the chill factor of the lake.
Weathering the Weather / John Kelly, Boss
In the craziness of the busy greenhouse season, Jessi, Sherry, and John all took a minute to share some of their favorite Memorial Day memories.
I don’t have any big memories or favorites of Memorial Day since I worked on a neighbor farm… started there when I was 12. Loved being there as much as I could… never a big fan of milking cows, but I loved the machinery!!
I’m the youngest of six kids. We always had high school graduation parties over the Memorial Day weekend. Most of my relatives live in the Chicago area so having the extra day to travel with the three day weekend was nice for them.
I do remember the unpredictability of the weather. When I was in 8th grade and got confirmed, we combined my party with my older brother Keith’s graduation party. The weather was absolutely beautiful.
There were other parties over the years for my siblings that we had cold and rain/snow! I have memories of all my aunts and uncles sitting in our garage with the overhead doors down and a portable heater running. Everyone bundled up but still laughing and making a great time out of it.
Porches and Parades / Jessica Kelly, Actual Boss
I grew up on “Main Street” in Augusta in a very old two story home with the standard front porch. The road in front of our house led to the cemetery and every Memorial Day the parade marched by and my parents’ porch was full of spectators. After the parade my mom always served rhubarb cake with whipped cream. I can still smell it baking and will always remember helping her peel the rhubarb – we always tried to get the longest strips.
As I got older I took part in those parades either as a girl scout or a member of the marching band. As a band member, we participated in the ceremony at the cemetery; which is when I started to learn the significance of the holiday. The echo of taps and the contrast of the 21-gun salute are moments that make even a teenager take notice, reflect, and give thanks.
We hope you and yours have an awesome Memorial Day weekend remembering the significance of the day, creating some fantastic memories, and sharing them with us the next time you stop in.
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