The morning is introducing what is predicted to be another beautiful day and for that, I am very grateful. It was a comfortable night for sleeping with only Harrigan joining me in bed; Bailey slept in my study and Col. Deeds was beneath the bed but within a paw’s reach of Chief who was directly below me.

At 1:15 PM, Saturday, I was contacted by another leader that they had been in a car wreck. Canine coverage was worked out and I remained through the event until 8 PM. Tomorrow, I will be gone all day to assist in that coverage, as well as Tuesday afternoon and evening. I appreciate the team effort and love being with such a group of supportive folks.

It’s Memorial Day, and I recall this holiday from childhood where we’d listen to the 500 race on the black, paint-splattered, staticky radio in the garage while Grandpa Leroy cooked over the grill. Once the singing of “Back Home, Again, In Indiana” and The National Anthem were completed, our family did not budge from the radio until we heard, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”  I remember the family cheering to the newly adapted phrase, “Lady and Gentlemen, start your engines” as Janet Guthrie joined the lineup as the first female racer on the Brickyard.

On with the day, which is to be another long day.

Make it a great day!

Garlands

by Amos Russel Wells

Memorial Day, 1911

What are the garlands we lay on the graves?
Heapings of blossoms that loveliest are?
Beauty supreme for the bravest of braves?
Yes, and an offering holier far.

Here are the garlands of memories clear,
Thoughts of the partings the desperate frays,
Marches and prisons and hospitals drear,
Triumphs and woes of those terrible days.

Garlands of gratitude fadeless and fair
Lie on the graves of our glorious dead,—
Grateful for freedom that breathes in the air,
Grateful for union that floats overhead.

Garlands of love from the children and wives,
Garlands of hope for the nation to day,
Garlands of offered and consecrate lives,
These on the graves of our heroes we lay.

Roses and lilies and violets blue,
Daffodils, tulips, and all of the rest,—
Ah, dear departed, brave patriots true,
We know what garlands will please you the best!