We had a tradition in Lindenwood each Memorial Day of honor for those who had served the country. We would spend the morning collecting flowers from around town for the ceremony later in the afternoon. We typically had school into early June when I was younger, so we had the day off. My dad also was off work.
When we had a day off, we typically would sleep in, but not on Memorial Day. Several of the men in the volunteer fire department arrived at the station early that day. I would go along to help. Our task in the morning was to go around town and clip flowers from several of the ladies’ gardens to be used later.
The flowers were to be placed on the memorial stone for all the local men who had served in the military over the years. So, I would take a bucket with me to ride to different locations around town and clip off a few flowers at each place. I remember the grass was typically wet with the morning dew, and my shoes got soaked.
We would collect the bucket and take them to the elementary school gym for later. Then out to the cemetery to place flags on the graves of the veterans. At that time, we had veterans dating back to the War of 1812. Since I have been gone, a soldier has been identified as having fought in the Revolutionary War.
From time to time, we would also help with the final prep of the cemetery. Such as mowing or removing the old flowers from other graves. The fire trucks were also given a cleaning for use in the short parade to the cemetery from town.
After lunch, the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and volunteer firemen would be assembled at the school. All of them were dressed in their uniforms. There was typically a short ceremony at the school that involved a speech or two from a local veteran or a political figure.
Afterward, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts lead firemen and fire trucks to the cemetery. It was maybe a 2-mile walk. When I was too young to participate in that part of the ceremony, I would ride my bike behind the procession.
At the cemetery, each name of the veterans buried there was read out loud. The scouts would lay a flower on the memorial stone with each name. Afterward, the firemen would fire a 21-gun salute.
Later, when I was older and was a scout, I would walk along with the others in my pack or troop. One of the biggest honors was being able to carry the American flag on the march. I was able to do this once during my time. I have to say it is harder than it looks, especially in the wind.
The last couple of years I took part in the ceremony, two boy scouts played taps on their trumpets.
After we had finished, we would pick up the spent cartridges that have been fired in the salute. I had a collection of those that have been lost over the years.
That was a very fond memory I have of growing up in a small midwestern town. I have always had great respect for the men and women who have served this country. I felt honored to take part in the ceremony each year. Then I had the honor to serve myself. I was able to attend two different Memorial Day Ceremonies in uniform. The other Memorial Day I spent in uniform, I was in Cuba fueling our destroyer.
My father’s name has been added to the list of veterans since his passing years ago. I have not had a chance to be in Lindenwood for Memorial Day since 1992. I attend the local service when I can. Each year, I get teary-eyed.
Memorial Day is a special day and an important day. When you drive past any cemetery and see the small American flags by the tombstones, remember each one represents a man or woman who served this country.
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