Memorial Day mornings on our Ohio farm were crisp, often with a thin layer of ice on the mud puddles and visible breath in the air. The horses, always eager for breakfast, would whinny as soon as they heard the tack room door open. I’d quickly feed them grain and hay, with my horse, Holly, stepping out of her stall as soon as she finished eating. This day was special—we were preparing for the Rootstown Memorial Day Parade. Our 4-H Club, The Wandering Riders, was a staple in the parade each year, and everything needed to be immaculate. We were honoring America’s heroes. When I think back on it today, I’m not sure I was completely aware of the full gravity of what we participated in that day. Clarity comes with age.
We gathered in the parking lot of the old elementary school, about 16 of us in total. It was always a joy to see familiar faces like Paul McCardle, Gary Urchek, Lorraine Linton, Brett Linton, Lori Dunn, Lee Morris, John Lewis, and others. Dressed in white shirts, dark jeans, and red vests that matched our horses’ red and white nose bands and breast collars, we transformed into what we believed was the best 4-H parade unit. There was always this air of anticipation, a certain excitement that we didn’t really speak about, but we all felt. Everyone busied themselves, ensuring every detail was perfect. Once ready, we’d line up two by two and wait for the signal to start the parade.
Eventually, we’d solemnly proceed through the main streets down to Homeland Cemetery. Facing the graves of those who served our country, many of whom died for our freedom, our horses stood at attention, and we sat upright, hats removed, as speakers honored America’s finest. After the service, we’d load up the horses and head back to the farm for a cookout, often joined by Warren and Sue McCarthy, Gene and Betty Flynn, Bob and Doris Harris, and their families. Warren and Gene had served at Normandy on D-Day, and my uncle Bob Harris served in the Philippines. These decorated heroes understood the price of freedom and their civic duty to family, God, and country.
I’m sure you have stories about the brave men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces. President Ronald Reagan, in his May 26, 1986, speech, said, “If we really care about peace, we must stay strong… We must be strong enough to create peace where it does not exist and strong enough to protect it where it does.” While ultimate peace awaits the Lord’s return, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Many have sacrificed so we may have peace and freedom. The 1960’s and many more wars have long passed. Many more have died that we may live. So while you are stoking that campfire, or biting into that hot dog, give your eyes a moment’s rest in honor of the brave that we may dwell in the land of the free.
