Each Memorial Day often repeats the events of the year before. This was the second year for the MURPH Challenge but other than that it always starts with breakfast served at the Big Sandy Historical Society. Pancakes, sausage, fruit, and coffee. This is the only fund raiser for the Historical Society and the Big Sandy Museum. The breakfast is served by the committed people. They couldn't remember how many years they have been making pancakes, "probably 20"! Linda Ophus, the President of the Historical Society, said, "I'm willing to give that up." No one could remember how many years they have held the breakfast or how many members they have. "It must be 40 years at least." Some Weaver grade school girls helped served the food this year, which was fun to see young kids caring!
The parade seemed shorter than usual. But it is still my favorite small-town parade, because the streets are lined with community members. This year the Cub/Boy Scott's joined presenting the flag with Sevrin Heimbigner helping to carry the flags. There were two horses, four vehicles, one fire-fighting truck, and the Pioneer Band riding on the flatbed playing patriotic music. Maybe one of the reasons I like it so well is because everyone just lines the street long after the parade is over, just visiting with each other, and why not we come to town for a six- minute parade. It isn't the parade that brings us to town. It's the one thing we can do to honor those who have served our country. Honor those who died serving our country. It's the one day, we can set aside our busyness and remember with appreciation.
The American Auxiliary were there handing out red poppies for a donation. Memorial Day and a table at the Christmas stroll is the only fund raiser they have. If you missed the poppies you can always contact Amy Sibra and donate.
The American Legion held a wonderful program at the high school. The flags were marched into the auditorium expertly. While the band played all those who had served in the arm forces stood. It seemed like the auditorium was fuller than previous years. Donated flowers from the Patricia "Pat" J. Knottnerus memorial decorated the stage. The guest speaker Lisa Schmidt who writes for the Tribune twice a month. She lives at Graham Ranch near Conrad. The honor guard marched the flags out of the auditorium and down to the street to the cemetery where the program continued with the reading of names of the service men who had served from the Big Sandy area, the playing of Taps and ended with a gun salute. The Memorial Day ended with a community pot luck held at the senior citizens.
