05/21/2026
We found ourselves out and about this week, and couldn’t help but feel a sense of glowing pride accompanied by the largest grin we could muster.
Driving through the familiar streets of this little town, we were taken aback by the beauty of the 250 American Flags we’ve seen decorating each thoroughfare.
We, of course, tip our hats to the hardworking citizens & the Howard A. Bair Post 423 American Legion for the patriotic flavor they’ve once again bestowed on this small town with a big heart.
Yes, the flags are meant to celebrate the 250th birthday of this nation we call home, but the timing of the decorative flags are not lost as we approach what we often refer to as the official start of summer.
Memorial Day will soon be here, and with it we hope to enjoy the sound of giggles brought by small children who are completing their studies alongside our welcoming of the warmth and regeneration made possible only by the return of our friend known as the summer sunshine.
Today, we look at chilly grey skies, but we know brighter days are ahead.
The Rittman Press, then in its forty-first year of publication, touted the headline “Lest We Forget” on the front page of the May 28, 1953 edition.
Memorial Day in that year, included a parade, guest speakers and of course wreathes decorating the graves of those who gave their last full measure. It was celebrated on Sunday May 30th, as it had yet to become a federal holiday.
Memorial Day, or as it was earlier called “Decoration Day” began as a hope for repair way back in 1865 as the cannons and guns echoed their final shots of the American Civil War.
While Lee surrounded to Grant in April of that year, the war torn citizens of this soon to be reunited nation, pushed forward with relief in their eyes and sadness in their hearts.
Rituals take time, and it would be May 30, 1868 before the first then called “Decoration Day” made it’s way into small towns across the nation.
In 1967, Decoration Day became simply known as Memorial Day.
This holiday, not to be confused with Veterans Day which honors all who served and are serving, instead became the day to celebrate those who lost their lives in defense of this great nation, and would become even more profound as we marked the end of WWI.
In 1971, the U.S. Government created an “official” holiday that would be celebrated on the last Monday of May.
Today, on the surface, we’re likely grateful for the possibility of a day off work or the opportunity to celebrate with friends or family a picnic or some wonderfully grilled food.
But here in the Small Town with the Big Heart, we know that this weekend means something more, and we cannot help but be reminded as we look around at the red, white, and blue flags as they stand watch over each and every one of us.
This patriotic display reminds our hearts that it isn’t the wind alone that creates fluid motion, as we subscribe to the belief that the flutter of the flag is brought to us through the last breath of each solider who gave their lives defending it and this wonderful place that we call home.
