A Memorial Saturday 9

 

Memorial Day is the Federal holiday designed to honor American service people who died in battle.

Welcome to Saturday 9!

This week, Crazy Sam has chosen Judy Garland's rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic.  Unfamiliar with her rendition? Listen here!   

Sam asks ...


On May 30, 1868, President Grant presided over the Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery.  Have you ever visited Arlington Cemetery?

Yes, back in 1964.  I recall visiting JFK's gravesite -- and that of his infant son, but little else. I'd love to go back again someday. 

On Memorial Day it is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset. Will you be flying the flag at your home this weekend?

All day, every day.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because flowers and ribbons were left on graves of soldiers. Do you find solace in visiting cemeteries?

No, not at all.  Rather, I'm enormously saddened.

The lyrics to this week's song were written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861. Her inspiration was a White House visit with Abraham Lincoln. In 2020, public tours of the White House are available - but you must request your ticket in advance from your Member of Congress (House or Senate). When you travel, do you plan your trip weeks before you go?  Or, do you decide how your days will unfold once you reach your destination?

Ha! I'm exactly like my father -- who used to prepare detailed itineraries before each of our trips.  In the past I've even gone so far as to plan what I'd wear on each of the 7 days aboard ship.

With no particular plan, it's a miracle Tom and I didn't kill each other during our move from Arizona to Alabama.    

Judy Garland performed this week's song before a live audience as a tribute to President Kennedy, who had been assassinated just weeks before. She knew Kennedy personally and considered this a farewell to a friend. While the performance was difficult for her -- at one point she flubs the lyrics -- she believed it was important, and could perhaps help the country heal. Tell us about a song that reminds you of someone you loved who is no longer with us.

A couple of years before his death, I remember visiting with my father when his Dixieland LP dropped onto the turntable. Offhandedly he remarked (about) Just a Closer Walk With Thee -- "That's what I want played at my funeral."

His being only 60-something, I probably said something profound like, "Oh dad, don't go talking that way."  And we never did again. 

When the time came to make final arrangements I asked mother if he had ever said anything like that to her. But no. So glad we were able to resurrect that album in time to include it at his service.

John F. Kennedy served in WWII and was awarded a Navy and Marie Corps medal and a Purple Heart. His brother Joe also served and was awarded the Navy Cross, but he received his citation posthumously, having died during a flying mission over East Suffolk, England.  Here at Saturday 9, we consider everyone who serves a hero and want to hear about the veterans and active military members in your life.

My dad served in the U.S. Navy during WWII ...

Tom (Army) in Korea ...

and son Troy (Army) at Desert Storm.

Memorial Day is considered the beginning of the summer season. Will you be enjoying warm weather this weekend?

I don't know how much enjoying I'll do. Not sure what happened to my summer-ready figure. (LOL)

But yes, we're poised to climb into the 90's.

Berries are especially popular in summer. Which is your favorite: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries?

I don't care for most kinds of fruit -- but have fond memories of eating blueberries swimming in sweet cream at my grandparents kitchen table.

If you could attend a Memorial Day picnic with any fictional character, which would you choose?

Bambi

(ca. 1957 ... somewhere in Germany)


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I try to always say this, but I so appreciate you taking time to visit!  Wherever, however you're spending this holiday weekend, please stay safe.  Like my mother used to say, watch out for the 'other guy'!

Hugs,

Myra