Photo by Wayne Agee, taken at Post 115 in Kannapolis, NC.
A Time to Remember
Traditionally, Memorial Day is spent relaxing and having fun with friends and family. While family time is important, President Clinton and Congress, in 1997, fearing the true meaning was getting lost among parties, picnics and parades, proposed a Moment of Remembrance. First suggested by the humanitarian group, “No Greater Love,” this moment has been observed for almost thirty years now at 3:00 on Memorial Day, with communities often playing “Taps,” at that time.
I have a special place in my heart for soldiers and their families because of the lessons learned from my dad. Even though I knew he served in the Army during WWII, it was only after his death eight years ago that I discovered he was in the 9th infantry. It was while looking through some old photo albums, that I found a newspaper clipping of an interview he did for a local newspaper, the Salisbury Post. In the article, Dad talked about landing on the beaches of Normandy. He said, “The Germans were shooting the fire out of us, until finally we broke through and made our way to Cherbourg.” Looking like a skeleton when the war was over, he weighed only 130 lbs on a 6′ frame, and yet he was one of the lucky ones because he made it home.
Senior Master Sergeant, Jim Fero, a member of my church and a retired military officer of the United States Air Force, found his own special way to honor the fallen soldier four years ago. The idea came after reading a list of names in the local newspaper. Wanting to share with others just how many were being lost each week, he asked if he could read the names at church during morning announcements. The congregation was so moved, the reading of the list has been ongoing ever since. After names are read, prayers go up for the families. It’s been a blessing to hear the list grow shorter and shorter, with only one name read this past Sunday.
Wayne Agee, a retired veteran from the Navy, has also found a unique way not only to show respect, but to educate. Having a collection of military memorabilia, he shares his collection through displays at Legion Posts, including American Legion Post 115 in Kannapolis, NC and Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville, NC. You may wonder why at Richard’s Coffee Shop, but this is appropriate because it’s a place where veterans hang out for encouragement and fellowship. To learn more about Richard’s Coffee Shop, check out a recent Salisbury Post story or their official website.
Although Jim and Wayne have found their own unique way of honoring the memory of the fallen solider, there are many other ways, including helping the families left behind, visiting veterans in the hospital, or donating items such as candy, toothpaste and deodorant to a local veterans hospital. One by one we can make a difference in the lives of those who served. After all, they made a difference in ours.
How does your family or community celebrate Memorial Day? Do you have a unique story? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
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