First we took Mother some home made potato salad, and then headed to the courthouse for the dedication of the restored Civil War statue on the courthouse lawn.
The crowd began arriving early, but we did get a seat on the bleachers so we were comfortable. The weather was perfectly beautiful.
The service itself was a little longish, but very sincere. It had a real small town flavor - the opening bugler was way off, the choir was not polished, and the fly-over was a Coast Guard helicopter - but it was done with enthusiasm, earnestness, and a spirit of honor and wholeheartedness.
The real reason I wanted to go was to see Sen. Carl Levin. He was the keynote speaker, and he laid a wreath at the statue. I admire him a great deal. He was always a great supporter of teachers and the MEA. He is the minority party ranking member of the Armed Services Committee of the Senate. He also is a constant advocate for human rights around the world. He did a fine job at the ceremony today, and I understand that he was responsible for the restoration committee receiving a grant from the National Park Service "Save Our Treasures" Program.
The statue looks great - a big improvement - and the best part is that it's standing up straight now. Evidently it now has a stainless steel armature.
We saw Whitard there with Heather and Kimberly. It's always fun to talk to him, and the girls are as cute as ever.
After the ceremony, we did a mini "Subaru cruise" of Traverse City. The bay was so blue it could knock your socks off. There were boats galore, plus sailboats and a sloop. We went past Mother's house and noticed that the Estate Sale people are working in there again today - they were there yesterday, too. It's a sure sign that the sale is coming up soon.
We came home and had our first picnic of the year out on the deck - burgers and potato salad. Several kayaks and canoes went by while we were eating - well - 4. Is that several? And then while Dick was reading his book after lunch, he saw 9 more kayaks go by. Busy day on the Boardman.
Dick cleaned up the dining room porch - it looks wonderful He did a great job. We are gradually getting ready for summer!
A lovely Memorial Day. The thing that's depressing about it is the necessity to have war memorials in the first place.
