Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.
1) Here at Saturday 9, we regard everyone who served -- veterans and active military -- as heroes. Have you, or has anyone in your family, worn the uniform of our armed forces? We want to hear about them.
A. Many members of my family have served. My father and his brothers, and several of my mother's brothers, would be my closest family members. My grandfather on my father's side served in World War II. The only story I remember my father telling about his time in the service (he was in Korea, after the fighting but during the mop-up and occupation, I think), was one day he was serving potatoes in the chow line, and he looked down and saw his brother coming through. So, he pulled down his hat, and when his brother got to him, he only gave him a spoonful of potatoes. When Uncle Jerry said, "Hey, I want more!" my father looked up and said, "Go to hell" or something like that, and Uncle Jerry sprang over the chow line to hug my dad. Obviously, they were serving at the same time.
2) Memorial Day has its own flag etiquette. In the morning, the American flag should be flown at half staff in memory of those we have lost. Then, at noon, it should be raised briskly to full staff, in honor of all who have served. Where is the nearest flag flying from where you sit right now?
A. Probably in downtown Fincastle, at the county courthouse, although there may be neighbors who have flags up that I cannot see. So many houses around here sit far back from the road and if you're driving it's hard to take note of little details like that.
3) Since 1988, motorcycle riders have participated in Rolling Thunder. In events all over the country, including Washington DC, bikers "Roll Together" to draw attention to service members still missing and raise awareness of mental health issues our veterans cope with each day. When have you most recently ridden a motorcycle? A scooter? A bicycle?
A. It's been a very long time for any of those. Thirty years, at least, unless you want to count the recumbent bike I used for exercise prior to 2013.
4) This week's song is the title track of Billy Ray Cyrus' best-selling album. Named for this patriotic song, the album also included Billy Ray's signature song, "Achy Breaky Heart." "Achy Breaky Heart" is a popular choice on karaoke nights. Do you know it well enough to sing along?
A. No.
5) Sandy Kane, the hero of "Some Gave All," is based on a real Vietnam vet Billy Ray Cyrus met and spoke to about his sacrifice for his country. Can you think of another song based on a real person?
A. No. But I'll go with Ode to Billy Jo or Harper Valley PTA. I don't know if they were real people, though.
6) Memorial Day is the traditional kick off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet?
A. I don't pack my clothes away. They are all mixed together and that's the way they stay.
7) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room?
A. Not in the room. The air conditioner for the entire house (heat pump) is on, but not running. It's not hot enough outside yet for it to turn on.
8) Memorial Day is also a holiday for retailers. Ads promise great prices on everything from grills to lawn decorations to high tech gear and gadgets. Will you be shopping any sales this weekend?
A. I don't think so.
9) Random question: When is the last time you felt like a kid?
A. When I was a kid. Now, if you mean when was the last time you were in the presence of a parent, and he gave you the stink eye like you'd done something wrong even when you hadn't, like he's always done, then that was Wednesday.
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I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
I loved singing along to Harper Valley PTA when I was a kid....no idea if it's about a real person, though. Ah, the stink eye. I'm familiar with that, though my mom seems to bestow it on my daughter more than on me these days.
ReplyDelete#1: I love that story, especially because it's so rare! After the Sullivan brothers all died together on the same ship in WWII, a law was passed to prohibit siblings serving together in harm's way. There's a great old movie about them: The Fighting Sullivans. It's so patriotic, I bet it's on somewhere this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI like your song choices
ReplyDeleteI had 2 great uncles that were in WW2. 2 uncles that were in the Korean War. None died in service. I remember Harper Valley PTA.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great story about your dad and his bro! hahahaha... I also have multiple generations of service men and maybe even women by now, though I've lost touch with everyone now. A lot of them are now dead.
ReplyDeleteYour dad never grew up? How sad. How bratty!