Flashback Friday - Memorial Days

(Memorial Day 1995 - from right: Hannah, Courtney, Shelby, Emma, Quinton [in the back]...)

I have always loved Memorial Day, and I especially loved it growing up because there were always fun activities planned.

In the morning, our ward always hosted an annual "5k Run/Walk", which was pretty fun. Sometimes kids would bring their bikes or roller blades and everyone seemed to have a good time. There would always be bagels or doughnuts for people to snack on afterwards.

Then, in the afternoon, Somersworth always had a Memorial Day parade. It was pretty small, but really fun. The high school marching band would march, as well as all the scouts in the area. There were also veterans and nurses from WWII riding in old cars. Twice, everyone would stop and there would be a small ceremony - once about halfway though, and then again at the end, which was always at the little bridge leading into Maine. After the parade, we'd have friends over for a BBQ and games outside.

I'm thankful that my parents taught us to have an appreciation for our country and for the freedoms we have. I'm sure there were probably years that we didn't want to participate in all these activities on our day off from school, but they taught us the importance of showing gratitude to our veterans, as well as supporting the community. I look forward to teaching my kids these same lessons.