by Joyce Thornton
I have a question: What are you doing on Memorial Day? Are you
doing the usual American thing of brats, hotdogs, and hamburgers?
If you are in the northern part of our country, perhaps you are
looking forward to the first big summer weekend and are planning
to get the old boat out, open up the lake cottage, and have a
great time with the family.
All of these things are part of our heritage, but are you forgetting
something? Have you scheduled a trip to your nearest cemetery,
where the service club color guards will gather to pay tribute
to our fallen comrades? Please remember that activities honoring
those who have gone before are really what Memorial Day is all
about. It is only because of the sacrifices of our veterans that
we are able to enjoy wonderful Memorial Day weekends with our
families and friends.
I have a feeling that the crowds are dwindling at Memorial Day
services that remember veterans. Those who don’t attend such
services miss the emotion that comes from watching honor guards
who are there to pay their respects to their fallen comrades.
Many of our veterans in such honor guards are older now, but that
is no excuse for taking them for granted. Stop your pleasure long
enough to put a flower on a veteran’s grave and to say a
prayer of thanksgiving that he/she has helped keep us free.
The Florida Regional Group Auxiliary is gearing up for the BVA
60th National Convention in August. I extend a formal but personal
invitation to you. The Wyndham Resort Hotel features close-at-hand
turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, heated indoor and outdoor
pools, lovely dining, and nearby shopping at the Bell Harbor Mall.
Please prepare and/or secure your much-needed silent auction
donations. The items are vital to our ability to provide scholarships
for spouses and dependents of blinded veterans in the near future.
We are presently searching for a contact individual in Florida
to receive the items. This information will be provided in an
upcoming Auxiliary newsletter. Until that time, please send the
donations to BVAA President Hazel Compton, P.O. Box 267, Richlands,
VA 24641.
The Auxiliary is also planning some great entertainment that
you will not want to miss. Come and join your Florida friends
under the famous Miami sunsets and enjoy the romance of the area.
And, by the way, don’t worry about the hurricanes in August.
I have informed Mother Nature that she is not to pull any of her
cute tricks during the week of the convention. I am positive that
she has listened to this order.
We will be welcoming you to beautiful Miami before you know it!
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