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Fun, reflection have their places
(by Barbara Christian - May 18, 2011)
WINDOW ON MAIN STREET, BY BARBARA CHRISTIAN
Fun, reflection have their places
The biggest weekend of the season in these parts is just around the corner. We are, of course, talking about Blossom Time-Memorial Day weekend May 26 to 30 in Chagrin Falls.
It kicks off Thursday in Riverside Park and ends five days later in Evergreen Hill Cemetery with the Chagrin Falls American Legion Post 383 observance.
We ask you, where can you experience hedonism to patriotism in one weekend and with an emotional range from giddy to somber, celebratory to observant, happy to solemn.
According to Pete Funk, vice commander of Chagrin Falls American Legion Post 383, which sponsors Memorial Day here, Blossom Time is a great tradition, but it's not the same as Memorial Day. In fact, he says, he and his brethren have come to learn many young people don't have a clue about what Memorial Day means.
So just to review the differences, Blossom Time, thanks to the Chagrin Valley Jaycees, is a multifaceted just-for-fun festival which raises a lot of money for dozens of local good causes and charities.
Memorial Day is for quiet reflection, for remembering those who have served our country in the cause of liberty and those who continue to do so.
So, just who are these members of American Legion Post 383? These men who keep the faith with the fallen? To answer that, Pete passed along some facts that give a glimpse into just what they are all about. Did you know ...
A core group of just eight to 12 Chagrin Falls American Legion Post members do all the fundraising and spend untold hours in preparation for this biggest day of their organization's year.
Although they are responsible for the organization of Memorial Day events in Chagrin Falls, the post receives support from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chagrin Falls schools, Scouting group, the Chagrin Falls police, fire and rescue departments, Eagles Club and donations from local business and citizens.
Although membership in the American Legion does not require service in combat, many members of the post are highly decorated combat veterans.
And you probably didn't know well-known local resident Clyde Whaley, oldest active member of the post, volunteered to join the Army the day before Japan surrendered? According to Pete (with tongue in cheek), "We always remind Clyde, if he had shaved a couple more years from his age, he could have shortened the war."
And just so you know, Clyde continues to serve his community by being instrumental in continuation of the Bainbridge Food Bank.
We'll add one more "did you know" to Pete's list. Did you know there is etiquette associated with Chagrin Falls Memorial Day events? The rules are quite simple:
No walking ahead of or cutting between the parade units as they march up South Franklin Street to Evergreen Hill Cemetery. Fall in behind the last unit or use the sidewalks. Turn off your cell phone, no texting either, be in the moment, remember why you are there. It's not a pet show. Leave the dog at home where he or she will be happier, won't be tempted to snarl, snap or do what comes naturally on the street or in the cemetery.
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