Sugar Grove
By Paula Mitchell
Pause to remember. Millions of Americans will mark Memorial Day this coming weekend, remembering soldiers who have fallen in the nation’s wars. This celebration began in 1868 when Maj. Gen. John A Logan declared this holiday to be on May 30 probably because flowers would be blooming. This holiday remained specifically for Civil War veterans until after World War 1, when it was expanded to include veterans of all wars.
Congress made it an official federal holiday in 1971, and moved the observance from May 30 to the last Monday in May.
It once was tradition for extended families to gather at family “graveyards” to remember and pay homage to the departed loved ones. It was a daylong ritual, cleaning off and decorating the graves. The women would bring food, and everyone would enjoy a picnic on the ground.
Now it appears that the day has evolved into cookouts in the backyard and relaxing by the pool. However, citizens are asked to have a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on this special day. Listen to “Taps” to remember those who have died in service to this country.
Flags may be flown at halfmast from dawn to noon. Volunteer to clean graves at a cemetery and be inspired with the reading of the famous poem, “Flanders Fields,” which begins:
“Between the crosses, row on row That marks our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below”
Take a moment to appreciate the veterans and thank them when a person sees them.
Life’s little instructions for daily living include the following:
- Compliment even smaller improvements.
- Don’t be afraid to say,” I made a mistake.”
- Don’t expect life to be fair.
- Plant flowers.
- Allow the person having fewer items in their cart to go ahead in the check-out line.
Thunderstorms raged through the community Friday night. That, coupled with earlier rains in the week, brought around 3 inches total. Winds have been furiously blowing, picking up the moisture in their wake. Folks have begun planting flowers and gardens, and soon the farmer will get busy with mowing hay. Who will be the first to do this?
Quotes for the week are as follows: “Our burdens feel lighter when we help carry someone else’s for a day or even an hour.” —Hoda Kotb “Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” — Carrie Fisher “Just because I disagree with you, does not mean that I hate you. We need to relearn that in our society.” —Morgan Freeman “There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.” — Glen Campbell “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” — Diana Ross
Sitting along the river is the best place, right now, to hear the “Talk of the Grove.”
On Saturday, the Sugar Grove Lions/VFW prepared some delicious BBQ chicken.
Mother’s Day weekend found Bob and Judy Grimm traveling to Preston County to pay a visit with Rodney and family. Then this past weekend, they motored to Ohio to attend the graduation of their granddaughter. Everyone had a grand time.
Phil Downs had the pleasure of visiting with Jim and Sharon Puffenbarger of Maryland, following Jim’s 60th Franklin High School reunion at Traditions Restaurant in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows: Chuck Yeager, who grew up in Myra, was the first man to break the sound barrier. The Greenbrier Resort is located at White Sulphur Springs. The first capital of West Virginia was at Wheeling. The movie “October Skies” is a true story of the famous author and NASA scientist, Homer Hickman. West Virginia borders five states.
Concerns are for the following: Bob Adamson, Charles Anderson, John Ashley, Roger Ashley, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, Allen Beachler, Liz and Mick Bodkin, “Bo” Boggs, Joyce Calhoun, Marie Cole, Ruth Craig, Stanley Dahmer, Jennifer Errett, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, David Gillispie, Patsy Green, JC Hammer, Sharon Harr, Steve and Armanda Heavner, Hannah Hedrick, Jack and Starr Hedrick, George Hevener, Chuck and Tracy Hiett, Jim Hiner, Evan Hise, Tim Hively, Edsel and Mary Ann Hogan, Julia Homan, Keith Hoover, Debbie Horst, Linda Jones, Richard Judy, Marsha Keller, Tara Kelley, Tom and Kim Kline, Tracie Knight, Laura Kropp, Melissa Lambert, Robert Lambert, Rex Landis, Donna Mallow, Roger and Skip Mallow, Audree Marsh, Ed May, Gene and Joan McConnell, Gary McDonald, Neil McLaughlin, Rose Miller, Bruce Minor, Tom Mitchell, Barbara Moats, Gloria Moats, Jim Moats, Helen Nash, Aaron Nelson, Ruth Nelson, Cheryle Paine, Terri Parker, Andy Pond, Alda Propst, Janice Propst, Marilyn Propst, Mike Propst, Sheldon Propst, Virginia Propst, Eldon “Butch” Puffenbarger, Tom Rader, Willard Rader, Brandon Reel, Jason Rexrode, Jimmy Rexrode, Linda Fay Rexrode, Bernie Sasscer, Annie Simmons, Erin Simmons, Eva Simmons, Greg Simmons, Judy Simmons, Nelson Simmons, Robbie Sites, Mike Skiles, Ed and Carolyn Smith, Natalie Stephenson, Tina Stuben, Steve Stump, Linda and Larry Vandevander, Sandra Vandevander, Amy Vaus, Estelle and Don Wagner, Mary Louise Waldschlager, Amby Waybright, Jr., Rene White, Sherry Wilfong, Judy Williams and Ann and Ed Wimer.
