Franklin County, Nebraska

For Another Day

Don Versaw sent me photos from his old photo album the week before Memorial Day. Since it is so close to home in a time that some of you will remember, I would like to cover this subject while it is still timely.

Don wrote: "These two snapshots were in an old photo album that recently fell apart when the pages just self-destructed. The winter of our lives for most of these veterans of World War II has passed and the fortunate few who are still here to remember their duty, honor and service salute them.

"Ceremonies at Maple Grove each year were most solemn and important to the whole community. All social order and domestic protocols were set aside and most citizens gathered at the village square and walked to pay tribute to men and women of the armed forces who gave their last measure of devotion for liberty. For many years, the holiday was known as "Decoration Day" and is still properly observed by all whose loved ones lie at rest in the peaceful grounds beneath the green cedars, blue iris and crimson peonies. A small American flag marked the graves of each veteran in a proud tradition that should be carried on into the millennium.

"One view is, for me, a dramatic view of the proceedings. The Color Guard with the wreath bearer stands ready as the assembly appears about to join in singing our National Anthem, the star Spangled Banner, as the recently returned veterans behind the lectern stand at attention.

"I am unable to identify only a few of the community's many returned veterans, some still wearing their uniforms, in the group photo. They are Bonnie Hogeland, second row, second man from the left and Jack Lane on the end. William "Bill" Dunn is the sixth man kneeling and Raymond Muckel is the eighth person. A Harger boy, with cap is front row center and Dean Dunn is the one in the white shirt. Next to him is James Gladon. The man in back of the only person in a Navy uniform would be Clifford Hill, but that's a guess. Sadly, my memory has dimmed to the extent that I don't remember if I was there or in the photograph. It's possible that I am the Marine squatted in the front row, second from the left. We should be grateful to who made the picture, for it is an important document. I think there will be many people who may see this photo that will quickly recognize their brothers, fathers, grandfathers and neighbors. Whatever the case, these are the men, the lucky ones, who came home from World War II and once again it is time to pause and remember their service to the nation." Don Versaw.

So do any of you recognize these servicemen? Please call me if you do, so we can get their names.

A few years ago I had attended the small Bloomington church in the hot summertime. Topping my head was a black straw hat. On the way home I stopped to see my mother in law, Verna Donovan, who will be 90 years old in October. She loved the hat and proceeded to tell me about how in the "ol days" the townspeople of Bloomington met at the courtyard on Memorial Day. Together they all walked to the graveyard (as we used to call it) She told me all the women wore hats to protect their heads from the sun. The men dressed in summer suits and, of course, the temperature was pushing 90 degrees. The women arrived in starched white dresses with large brimmed hats, possibly bought at Bess Holmes Millinery shop on Main Street Bloomington. Some probably brought picnics and made a day of it in the park, visiting with neighbors and friends. As the time approached for remembrance, the group gathered and walked up the main street out of town toward the cemetery. Men and women walking with the children playing along the way as they all walked in observance of past generations. I wonder who led the procession? Was it like a parade? Perhaps we should re-enact this important day and all gather at the park in Bloomington and walk to the cemetery, instead of drive. And we should wear straw hats. Then, we could gather for homemade ice cream in the courtyard after.

If I hadn't had a hat on that day when I stopped at Verna's home, I would have not known of this memorial day memory in her mind.

When it comes to wearing straw hats, just call me a romantic at heart, I like pretty sundresses, yellow roses, soft music, ankle bracelets, and I long for time to sit on my park bench under the lilac bushes and watch summer go by. Some one has to be the dreamer, don't they?

Slowly and sadly we laid him down,
From the field of his fame fresh glory!
We carved not a line, and we raised not a stone,
But we left him alone with his glory. Charles Wolfe

Rena Donovan, For Another Day.

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