What A Country!
May 26, 2008 on 12:48 pm | In Local |
With apologies to Howard Zinn, I love America, especially on Memorial Day with all those flags and good feelings. I was in North Canaan this morning for the parade down Main Street and the observances at the Doughboy Monument. I still get misty-eyed when I hear taps being played to a respectful audience. See the video footage above.
As he has been for several years, Selectman Tom Gailes, himself a veteran, was the master of ceremonies. He introduced his son, Master Sgt. Wade Gailes, who has been in the Army for 18 years. Wade’s own son is in Iraq. The theme for the day, which everyone seemed to agree on, was “let’s bring them home safely as soon as we can.”
To all those who served their country and died for it — not only soldiers, but police, emergency responders and members of the intelligence and diplomatic communites — you once again have my deepest gratitude.
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I guess there is really one time every year when I remember my own military service, and that is early on Memorial Day morning, when I wait to hear the salute fired at the Chapinville Cemetery, followed about 5 minutes after by the salute from the Dutchers Bridge Cemetery. This morning I didn’t hear either one. I’m not sure if it would make me sadder if it was my hearing going or if the tradition has come to an end. I think, on balance, that the end of the tradition would upset me more.
Anybody know?
Comment by Geoff Brown — May 26, 2008 #
Geoff,
I was powerwalking on Old Asylum Road at the top of Wells Hill when I heard a series of three loud gun salutes at 7:10 a.m. I assume they were coming from the Salisbury town cemetery behind the White Hart. So I think the tradition has been preserved.
Comment by Terry — May 26, 2008 #
Geoff and Terry,
A salute was heard loud and clear from inside my home up on Lincoln City Road this morning, also at about 7:10 a.m. Can’t say as from which direction it traveled, but I assumed it was was the Old Boneyard behind Town Hall.
Jim
Comment by Jim Britt — May 26, 2008 #
I heard the shots a little after 9:30 here in Canaan Valley in the cemetery across the road on Moses Meade Road. I usually hear the cars driving to and from the ceremony, but didn’t this year. Because of the trees I can’t see the cemetery from inside of my house.
Comment by Carolyn McDonough — May 29, 2008 #
Well, I guess it is just a Twin Lakes/Lime Rock guy being a little paranoid. No doubt if the salutes were fired in the center of Salisbury, they were also fired in the cemeteries in the hinterlands.
That being said, I still did not hear them out here in the boonies — where we do indeed have veterans in the cemeteries, and I was listening for them.
Somebody want to recommend an audiologist?
Comment by Geoff Brown — May 30, 2008 #