2012 Memorial Day
Sister Carleen McCollum and Veteran's Dick Niles and Don Babcock placed Flags on the graves of our departed members to honor them on Memorial Day.
This year it was fearful as to whether or not there would be a parade as Mother Nature was sending rain along with the clap of thunder and streaking bolts of lightning. We all know that we do not mess or march with Mother Nature when she is doing that!! After about a half hour delay the sun came out and we were able to start the parade. Only hitch was our Golf Cart's Battery died driven by John Muoio AKA "Cuz", and passenger and Veteran Nick Peterson and had to be towed by the Float. No problem! Our Float Theme this year was POW/MIA and was decorated with the POW/MIA Flag and the Missing Man's Table. Twenty-two sisters either marched or rode on the float. The marching ladies handed out over 100 flags to the children along the parade route. We also had teenage children of members doing a Buddy Poppy Drive along the parade route.We had a short stop in front of Kinney's to pay respect to the World War Monuments out back and then continued onto the Cemetery for services and then back to our Memorial Site for our services.
After the solemn service Commander Russ Marsden presented a Plaque and a Certificate to Veteran Laurence "Sparky" Rector for 65 years of continued membership to our organization. Several of my pictures did not turn out that day and unfortunately this was one of them.
Mother Nature cooperated and the day turned out to be beautiful. Several members as well as members of the community came to attend the services at the post. The participation continues to grow bigger each year. The Mexico Boy Scouts and Jr. ROTC took part in the services and the Jr. ROTC did a demonstration after for the enjoyment of all.
After the demonstration by the Jr. ROTC everyone went inside and "The Missing Man's Table" was read by President Lonnie Dimon and bells rung by all Ladies Auxiliary members present. The Banquet Hall was all set up in Red, White and Blue with Poppy Centerpieces for the feast that the Veteran's and Ladies Auxillary.
After the luncheon we went to take part in the New Haven Parade. By two in the afternoon Mother Nature had cranked up the heat to 95 Degrees, holy hotness!!!!! Wet from rain in the morning and wet from sweat in the afternoon. We made a pit stop after the parade at Hazzy's for some much needed refreshments. A great day and fun as well was had by all while honoring our fallen veteran's. A community parade is a wonderful way to love, honor and never let them be forgotten.
