Memorial Day - part two - there is more to this story...

...The mornings of memorial day would usually begin with everyone meeting at my Grandmas house.  I remember walking over to Grandma's from Aunt Marilyn's just a few blocks away.  I must of been a rather carefree child because I distinctly remember daydreaming the entire way, skipping along, and singing whatever recent song I'd heard on the radio. We would load up the cars with plastic flowers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandma.  Then it was time to head to the big cemetery on the "hill".

Uncle Daris would stay behind - he was busy "foofing" up the picnic food.  Potato salad and Coleslaw aren't "finished" until they have been adorned with radish roses and green onion curls.  My favorite thing though - was his watermelon basket !  If I could get away with it - I would sit and watch, awestruck as he deftly carved his watermelon creations.  Usually they were just a basket shape with scalloped edges and a handle.  Once though - to my utter amazement - he carved a watermelon whale !  It was the most glorious thing.  I've never been quite brave enough to attempt the whale - but I have been known to carve a basket or two.  I can also make strawberry fans, radish roses, cantaloupe flowers, and green onion curls.  I hope Uncle Daris looks down on me from heaven and smiles.  Aunt Marilyn would be proud too I think.

Well, back to the story...
After decorating, it was time for the "kids" to go reserve a space in the park for our picnic reunion.  If we were lucky the "coveted" sheltered picnic area would be available for us.  We would take our place - making sure to leave someone behind to sit and "hold" our spot.  The other cousins would play nearby until the adults began to arrive.  Then we were allowed to wander the park until picnic time.  There were always yummy things to eat.  Grandma's fried chicken, Uncle's potato salad and coleslaw, Cousin's stuffed olives, Aunt's macaroni and cheese, Aunt's chocolate sheet cake, Mommas jello salads, and many other delicacies to delight us.

I can't say I was ever taught much about the meaning of memorial day.  I always noticed the flags and things.  No one ever really talked about the family members we had who had served.  My dad is Navy veteran but he doesn't speak much about it.  I guess as you grow you just begin to understand the meaning as it surrounds you.  So to all those who are serving now and who have served before - Thank You.  If it was not for you - this little girl would not have the memories she has of carefree childhood days.