I tried in the past week’s newspaper to encourage all you healthy younger guys and gals to volunteer at the cemetery this week as the American Legion and Sons of the Legion members wrestle the flags and poles of the Avenue of Flags display at Prairie Lawn Cemetery. And bless my soul, guess what? The power of the press is still with us.
Yes! Avenue of Flags guru Larry Watts told me Saturday morning that he had heard from several of you who were willing to either put up or take down the flags that create such a moving memorial tribute to our veterans every year. It would be terrific if the Legion guys had even more help, but at this point no one is complaining.
Watts said a special thank you is due to the Peabody-Burns High School football team and their coach, David Pickens. Those young men are enthusiastic and capable and they give their best to Peabody’s veterans. They have my thanks and appreciation — how about yours? If you know them, thank them.
Good for you, PBHS football athletes! We are proud of you.
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If you will be in Peabody for the Memorial Day weekend, we’re happy to have you and hope your visit is pleasant. There will be plenty to see and do.
Friday night the HUB will host the Second Annual Dale Hague Memorial Benefit Dinner to remember HUB founder Dale Hague. A sloppy joe meal will be available for a free will donation beginning at 5 p.m. and the HUB will be open to visitors.
A full day of activities Saturday includes the opening day of the 2013 season for Doyle Valley Farmers Market at Santa Fe Park, tours of the newly operational Peabody Print Museum, a glimpse into the Eyestone Building when it served as a German Prisoner of War camp, and a fried chicken dinner in the bank park. In addition, the museum and the Morgan House will be open to visitors. The events are free except for the picnic dinner.
The annual porch party at 504 N. Walnut begins at 7 p.m. and is open to any PHS or PBHS graduate. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
On Sunday the American Legion will host the first ever “Sandgreen Masters” Golf Tournament. I have seen the list of prizes and it is impressive. If you enjoy golf, you ought to round up a team and go. I hope you win the Prairie Band Casino package!
Services at Prairie Lawn Cemetery will begin at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, sponsored by the American Legion Post 95 and the VFW Post 6229. The Civil War re-enactors will be part of the ceremony again this year as well.
The Annual Memorial Day Dinner at the Brown Building will follow the service, giving those in attendance a chance to visit with family, old friends, and former classmates. The dinner is prepared and served by the PBHS sophomore class and their parents and it is a fundraiser for class events.
A bus tour of Old Highway 50 will leave from the high school at 1 p.m. Irvin McPheeters will narrate the trip and tell of the businesses that thrived in Peabody due to Highway 50 going through the community. It promises to be an interesting tour featuring recollections about the early years of the community.
There you have it. Get out this weekend and take advantage of local events. At some point, be sure to drive out to Prairie Lawn Cemetery and check out the Avenue of Flags. Remember our soldiers and the gift they gave us and offer your appreciation.
— SUSAN MARSHALL