Third Age Traveler: SMALL TOWN MEMORIAL DAY

Small town America still exists, and perhaps it is most obvious on Memorial Day when people gather to honor America and the sacrifices incurred in keeping her freedom. If you've never participated in the way small towns across this country celebrate, you really are missing something.

Rob and I get to the Warwick parade route early, parking close to the Warwick Cemetery where the first service takes place. I don't believe we've missed a year since we moved to Warwick. We used to come with my mother and father, a WWII Veteran with the 10th Mountain Division. Today we’re wearing the shirts Cpt. Heather Hills sent us when she was stationed in Iraq, the front proclaiming Air Defense Artillery and the names of her soldiers in Operation Iraqi Freedom emblazoned on the back. We're also wearing the visors sent by our friend, Sgt. Tashall Hedrington from Camp Victory in Iraq. Other onlookers wear clothing or symbols of support. Children carry flags, and the American Legion women are selling their poppies. The community wants to send a message on this day that we are aware of the sacrifice our military makes in our name. We treasure it.

The police close the streets leading in and out the village, and in the distance, even before we can see them, we hear the music of the Warwick Wildcats band. They're a staple of the parade; both Allison and Michael marched with them when they were in high school. We see the colors proudly carried up Oakland Ave., a member of each branch of the military carrying a flag—our country’s flag, the POW flag, and an American Legion flag. It's a beautiful, proud display, the flags moving in the breeze, the men solemnly stepping in uniform.

When we first moved to Warwick 30 years ago, the veterans of WWII and Korea, members of the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as their Women's Auxiliaries marched in the parade. Over the years, the numbers of marching veterans dwindled; some were driven.

This year, for the first time, these veterans and ladies are chauffeured through the parade to the applause of onlookers, many of us yelling "Thank You" as we stand in respect. Unfortunately, Warwick has a Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Lesandro, whose presence each year brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. She lost her son in Vietnam. I've wondered at and respected her personal courage over the years. This year she was aided by Town Justice Peter Barlet in laying the memorial wreath for her son.

Another wonderful presence each year is the Stewart family. These Army veterans spanning several generations have or now serve their country. The father is a Korean War veteran who is driven in a jeep. To see them walk together and stand together at the cemetery is a testament to everything that is good in America.

They are patriotism personified.

Warwick also honors others who serve: the police, fire departments, and ambulance corps march or ride in their shiny vehicles. There’s a special contingent of firemen who are also veterans. Service is in their nature. This part of the parade is a thrill. The antique fire trucks and the different insignias and symbols are fun to watch. All these people serve us and keep us safe and secure.

I always get a kick out of the seeing the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts as they march. At one time hundreds of children waving their flags, singing, and carrying their banners filled the streets. The numbers have dwindled as times change, but there are still tiny Daisy Scouts and Tiger Cubs, and there are still older children too. I used to march with Allison and our troop in the parade, and Michael marched with the Boy Scouts.

The Warwick High School Band plays every year, always well. In the cemetery they play the National Anthem, God Bless America and Taps.

The parade heads into the Warwick Cemetery where the usual politicos speak, but more importantly on this day, the president of the American Legion requests the Boy and Girl Scouts and all the younger children to come forward. He explains that the graves of veterans all display American flags, and he reminds them that the veterans are getting older. He asks that they understand the significance of the day and take over the task of making sure all the graves are marked with flags each year. It is a moving demonstration, and the children are quiet and attentive.

Mrs. Lesandro lays a memorial wreath, and members of the American Legion and its Women’s Auxiliary lay a series of wreaths at the Veteran’s Memorial. Each salutes in respect and pride—these older citizens who never forget their fallen comrades and the sacrifice they made.

There is a rifle salute and Taps. The parade reforms to go to St. Stevens Cemetery and honor those at rest there, and then to the American Legion Hall.

Warwick is not unique in its celebration, and if you have an opportunity to participate in a small town Memorial Day, don’t hesitate to do so.