This past weekend my family had the pleasure of visiting Lakeport from our home in San Francisco. As is often the case when one is trying to wrangle a family of five out the door for a long weekend, I was caught up in the packing and the driving and the “Do we have enough snacks for the ride?” kind of stuff. It was not until the drive home that I got to think about the significance of the weekend for my family, and how our time in Lakeport reminded us what Memorial Day is really all about.
We stood streetside for the whole parade, catching candy and cheering the veterans, scouts and cool cars. I had the chance to explain to my son why the veterans got to march first, and the fact that this is the weekend where we remember ? we memorialize ? men and women who have served in our military, and who have died. The parade ended with a bang and my city kids were off to the country, to catch frogs and chase jackrabbits.
The next day, it was my turn to learn. I participated in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament dreamed up and put into action by my good friend and Lakeport native, Shelly Lyon (daughter of Joan and Ray Cox). Again, up to that point I had been caught up in the logistics of helping Shelly plan ? how long should the games be? How do we make the bracket? Who will keep score? But when the tournament began, Shelly thanked all of the participants and spectators, and spoke about the two friends in whose honor she created this event. We played for hours, raising money for scholarships in the name of Kyle Reynolds and Christine Hanson, adding even greater meaning to this particular Memorial Day weekend.
I do not doubt that this will become a regular part of our life. My kids are already asking when we get to go back to Lakeport. I look forward to the parade and the basketball tournament, and giving them the truly unique opportunity to learn firsthand what Memorial Day is really all about.
Catherine Kelley
San Francisco
