Memorial Day services carry special significance for families of fallen soldiers
By Jennifer Kneuss
May 30, 2011
323
Summary: Flags blew in the breeze as hundreds packed the Tuscarawas County Courthouse lawn for Memorial Day services. For some, the day held far more meaning than ever before.
The Memorial Day service on the lawn of the Tuscarawas County Courthouse held a completely different meaning for Rachel Smith this year.
I dont think that you can put it into words, said Rachel, the widow of Sergeant James Jimmy Smith, who died suddenly at age 29 while on active duty at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on Monday, April 18, 2011. She spoke quietly after the conclusion of the ceremony as her daughter, Hannah, perched on her hip and buried her face in her mothers neck. Rachel is expecting the couples second child, Peyton, this fall.
I had no expectations for today. This was the first major holiday without Jimmy for us, said the young woman, as her eyes filled with tears. The last four or five days, we have had word of several other soldiers losing their lives as well. Today, I am not grieving just for myself, but also for those families who have just lost someone they love, because thats what we are all going through.
Rachel lifted her arm to show a charm bracelet that she wears on her left wrist.
My dear friends gave this to me. There is a charm of a little girl to represent Hannah, a pacifier to represent Hannah, and one for me. There is also a tiny American flag, which represents Jimmy, she continued. I always show this to Hannah, and tell her thats Daddys flag.
She paused, then looked up toward one of the many flags displayed on the courthouse square.
When we came here today, Rachel started pointing at all of the flags, saying, Thats Daddys flag! Thats Daddys flag! I had no idea she would associate the charm with the real flags here. It startled me, she admitted, her eyes tearing up again. Its not the same without him, but I have the two little ones to carry on for.
Memorial Day has a different meaning for us now, commented family member Barb Huff. We always used to call Jimmy on these kinds of holidays, thank him for serving his country, and shower him with our love, even over the phone, no matter where he was.
Well do our best to make sure Hannah and Peyton remember him, not only on this day, but everyday, concluded Huff.
Mondays Memorial Day services featured a short parade, led by veterans and the New Philadelphia High School band, down West High Avenue to the courthouse. There, an invocation was given by Elder Glen Carlisle. Special speaker for the event was veteran Steve Litty, whose wife, Theresa, sang God Bless America. Students from York Elementary gave special presentations, including the singing of American Tears by the York Alumni choir, while the Delphian Chorale provided several songs as well. Ashley Blickensderfer of Tuscarawas Central Catholic gave a reading of the Gettysburg address and veterans groups conducted the traditional laying of wreaths at the military monuments.
Phil and Tara Beal brought their 2 ½ year old triplet daughters and three month old baby boy, Austin, to the courthouse in a four-way stroller, and the girls, Cierra, Nevaeh, and Aleah, were decked out in red, white and blue dresses and waved American flags and balloons. Although too young to understand the significance of the day, the older children played quietly with their flags as their parents listened intently to the speakers. Their mother noted that although it had taken considerable effort to dress all four children and bring them to the ceremony, it was an effort worth making.
I just think its a day to remember those serving now and in the past, said Tara. This is not just a day off work.
This is a Norman Rockwell-esque type setting here today, commented New Philadelphia resident Carolyn Brodzinski as she enjoyed a shaded bench and surveyed the crowd assembled on the picture perfect day. This is small town America at its best.
