Saturday 9: God Bless America

Saturday 9: God Bless America

Unfamiliar with Deanna Durbin's rendition of week's tune? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, this is when memorials, as well as the graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers on this day to show our appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?

A. Yes. We have an obelisk on the county courthouse lawn. It's a Confederate memorial but I consider it one of the more tasteful ones. This monument to the county’s war effort does not single out any one person, and lauds the efforts of all men and women who survived that harrowing time in our nation’s history. The obelisk is pointing towards the heaven. Similar geometrical shapes grace the graves of many Civil War veterans.

The statue was erected in 1904 to commemorate “the deeds and services of the twelve volunteer companies … that went to the war from Botetourt County,” the statue reads, and “in memory of our brave and loyal officers and enlisted men who were killed in battle and who died from wounds and disease, during the war, and of our faithful comrades who have died since the war.”
It also says, “In honor of those men of Botetourt,- of the period 1861-1865 - who faithfully did duty in the civil and military service of Virginia, and of the Confederate States.  In recognition of those who gave, and of those who worked and served, to support our soldiers, and for the comfort and safety of their families."
The monument has a side dedicated to women, which is unusual. It says, “To the women of Botetourt in remembrance of their constant encouragement, steadfast devotion, tender in ministrations and unfailing providence and care, during the war and in the dark reconstruction years.”

The obelisk outside of the county courthouse.

2) Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, was in office the first time Memorial/Decoration Day  was celebrated. Have you ever met one of our 45 Presidents?

A. No.

3) According to the AAA, more than 30 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and drive more than 50 miles. Will you be traveling far from home this weekend?

A. No.

4) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?

A. Watermelon.

5) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?

A. Yes.

6) Though she's belting out one of America's best loved patriotic songs, Deanna Durbin was born in Canada. Is there anyone in your family or circle of friends who wasn't born in the USA?

A. I have a pen pal who lives in England. We've been emailing nearly every day for 20 years.

7) No longer a household name, Ms. Durbin was once one of the biggest stars in the country. One of her most popular films was 1937's One Hundred Men and a Girl, which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Recommend a movie that you really like, but don't think many Saturday 9ers have seen.

A. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

8) Back in 1938, Deanna Durbin had her handprints cemented in front of the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Have you ever visited that Los Angeles tourist attraction?

A. No.

9) Random question: What food did you hate as a child, but enjoy now?

A. I still eat like I'm seven years old, so I continue to not eat foods I didn't like as a child.

___________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.