Memorial Day, Decoration Day or whatever you may call the holiday that we observe the last Monday of May has come and gone.  Decoration Day is how I refer to it most of the time, even though I know that the name has been officially changed conjures up a lot of memories for me.  As a very little girl this was always a big day for my sister Joan and me.   My little Italian grandmother was very adamant about observing this day.  Back then, if there were artificial flowers, we could not afford them, so our task was to collect all the live flowers we could, going around the neighborhood asking for some flowers from our neighbors' gardens.  I remember fixing at least four baskets to place on the graves of our relatives.  This ritual would start about four days before the actual day and it always started with my grandmother having my dad get out the traditional baskets, washing them off and then starting to place the flowers in them.  

 

There was an alley way behind our house and the prettiest wild ferns grew there. We would collect them and place them in the back of the baskets as a back drop for the bouquets that we would eventually put in the baskets.  I remember we would always have beautiful peonies from our own garden and then we would travel up Hanover Street to Miss Matties house where she would share with us some of her collection of roses.  I know we had other flowers but my memory fails as to just what they were.  Once our baskets were full we would get up early on Memorial Day and my dad would place them in his car and off we would go the the graveyard.  We only went to Holy Cross Cemetery as all our relatives were buried there.  This was a very reverent time as we were there to honor the memory of our family who had passed on and we were not allowed to be disrespectful.  The one thing that stands out most in my mind was that we were cautioned not to step on the graves.  This was kind of scary to me as I was not sure if we made a mistake and did just what might happen below. Most of the time we would kneel down by the grave while my grandmother said a prayer. 

 

I still visit the graveyard and I silently say a prayer especially for the veterans who always have flags placed on their graves. Decoration Day was officially started in 1868 to honor the military men and women who had passed away. In 1971 it was named Memorial Day and the holiday was changed from May 30 to the last Monday in the month of May. It is reported that Waterloo, New York is the official birth place of this holiday and it is supposed to mark the beginning of summer.  I think that that means we can now wear white. If you did not get to visit the grave yards, I hope that you at least took a minute to reflect on the many men and women who have served our country and who have paid the ultimate price.

 

While speaking about the military I would be remiss if I did not express my feelings about the Veteran's Hospital located here in Clarksburg.  I know we always seem to hear about the bad things but I have found that our local VA Hospital offers very good service and health care to our veterans.  My husband, who is a veteran, uses the services of our local hospital and although there have been a few times when he has had to wait for his appointment, we have been able to get appointments when they are needed. We receive written reminders as well as phone call reminders of his appointments. I applaud our local Veteran's Hospital for the service they render here in our area.

 

This past week the Progressive Women's Association of Harrison County observed the 134th birthday of the American Red Cross with a birthday luncheon at the Uptown Event Center. The luncheon, which was sponsored by the Bridgeport Conference Center.  Scott Duarte, the Food Service Director and Erica Duarte, BCC Marketing was very gracious and helpful.  A great lunch was served to about 40 people and included a Birthday Cake and the singing of Happy Birthday led by Jim Harris, Director of Health Access.  Ruby Oldaker offered the blessing. Music was provided throughout the luncheon, by Janice McMurdo, PWA Board member.  Two Sam's Club officials were on hand to announce the awarding of a grant from Sam's Club to the PWA to supplement the Food Bank operated by the PWA.  Ron Watson, President of the Harrison County Commission presented a proclamation to Shauna Soom, Interim Director of the local Red Cross. Immediately following the luncheon a blood donor drive was held and coordinated by Ben Wilson and Elinda Carson, PWA Director.  Other local dignitaries attending were Clarksburg Mayor, Cathy Goings, CVB Director Kathy Titus and Marie Battles, United Way Director. Also attending were M. L. Quinn, Michelle Beto, Delores Yoke, members of the Blue Ribbon Committee who have been guiding the PWA through a transition period.  Rosalyn Alonso served as the event coordinator.

 

A little gardening note from my new Italian seed catalog.  When using fresh basil, always tear the leaves instead of cutting them as contact with metal turns the leaves black.

 

I know that most of you are getting ready for summer and I hope that you have been able to drive by our house to enjoy our beautiful clematis.  Take care; keep in touch and until next week "Now You Have Heard It through the Grapevine."