When I was a child, my parents held a yearly party on Memorial Day. Mom’s eight siblings – my aunts and uncles – and some 20+ first cousins came to the Weber house for a picnic.
It was huge. It was a yearly event. It was a party.
We had hot dogs and hamburgers. There were sodas, potato chips and pretzels. All you could drink and eat! We toasted marshmallows after dinner.
Throughout the day, people played horseshoes and badminton.
The men would drink beer. The women enjoyed sweet mixed drinks. There was fun. Laughter. Frivolity. Lightness. Joy … and lot’s of love.
It was special. It was held once a year. Always on Memorial Day weekend. Mom and Dad created this annual event. It went on for 15+ years.
Today, 45 to 50 years later, my cousins – older than their parents when the above picture was taken – still share their memories of the Weber Memorial Day party whenever we meet. Memorial Day will forever be a fond memory of family, picnic, fun and games.
This year, here are my Memorial Day thoughts:
- I’m grateful I live in the United States.
- I’m grateful for all soldiers who fought, sacrificed, and gave their lives for the freedom I enjoyed as an innocent, unaware child … I’m grateful for the freedom I enjoy today.
- I’m grateful for my parents who helped create special memories that still live vividly … 45-years later.
Do you have any special Memorial Day memories?
What are you grateful for this Memorial Day?