Memorial Day has always been a very special day for our family. Not just as a day to honor those who have died while serving our country, but also because it was Joan’s birthday. Joan was Jim’s sister. She started out as his older sister until she was around 18, and then she told everyone that he was her older brother.

Joan was always delighted when her birthday rolled around because she said that all of the parades were to celebrate her special day.

When our children were younger we would all pile into the family car and travel to West Hartford, Connecticut to spend a couple of days with Jim’s mother and father and the rest of the Caruso family. Joan and her family lived in Connecticut making it a short trip for them to arrive at the family homestead. We would usually arrive the day before and sleep over. That was always a special treat for our girls and for their grandma and granddad.

Adding to the excitement of the day was the fact that the Indianapolis 500 was run on Memorial Day. However, that also meant that Joan and her family might be late for the parade and picnic because her husband, John, was a race enthusiast and it was hard to drag him away from the radio or television if the race conflicted with the time of the picnic.

Because Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States we are especially aware of our men and women who serve our country in the various armed forces. This one day, which started out as Decoration Day, has been slightly changed as it  is now a day for remembering the people who died while serving our country. The holiday, which is now observed every year on the last Monday of May, was established as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. It unofficially marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Jim’s mother and father lived on a quiet, dead end street that was near the center of town. Each year the parade marched on Main Street just one block over from their street. In between their back yard and the parade route was a vacant lot allowing us to picnic right up to the last minute and race to the street to cheer on those who were marching in the parade.

Across the street from the lot was a small old cemetery. Earlier in the day there were a couple of men from the American Legion and the VFW who solemnly stood before each grave marker. They each carried a bag full of American flags designed to decorate each veteran’s grave. One by one they would stop before a marker, slowly salute the fallen deceased military member, and then place a flag in the ground to honor that person’s sacrifice for our country before moving on to the next. There was no conversation among the veterans placing the flags, just a moment of dignified silence.

People who gather on holidays and put flowers on graves also renew contacts with relatives and other friends. There often is a picnic-like "dinner on the ground," the traditional term for a potluck meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on the grass. I’m not sure where this tradition started but it remains as a well-accepted social function at both happy and sad gatherings.

When Jim and I traveled to Indianapolis several years ago, I relayed some of our experiences related to the Indy 500-Mile Race. The event is held over Memorial Day weekend and is billed as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing with an unofficial attendance of 250,000 to 300,000 people. When we were there we were told that attendance could reach as high as 400,000 patrons. Just imagine that number of people driving into the park, buying their tickets, parking, watching the races, and then going home all in a period of about 12 hours? Amazing!

Last week’s Memorial Day Parade in Altamont brought tears to my eyes. Granted that I am a softie when it comes to sentimental activities like honoring our war dead. But it goes even farther than that. Our flag was presented proudly by many groups of people who mean so much to me and to our entire community. We should stop and say thank you to each and every one of them for what they do for our country. They include: The active military men and women

who have promised to give their lives, if necessary, to protect us and our freedom; the veterans who have already served our country and would stand ready, if necessary, to protect us again; the firefighters who volunteer to keep us safe at home and who risk their lives for us each time they fight a fire; the police who maintain peace and also risk their lives when others choose to take our property and our freedom; the young children who are the future of our country; the older citizens who are the teachers of the next generation of leaders; the men and women who have given the greatest sacrifice for us, their lives, that we may enjoy our freedom for another day; and finally, an almost forgotten group of men and women,  those who have lost a son, daughter, mother, father, husband, wife, or other relative while fighting for our principals and our freedom.

There are no winners in a war but there are many friends and family members who have distinguished themselves by their bravery on our behalf. Thank you to all who have served and god bless our country that we may continue the freedoms that we now enjoy.

Game night

The Math Game Night will be held tonight, Thursday, May 28,  at 6:30 p.m., at the Altamont Elementary School.  Students can play games together as well as take home games to enjoy playing during the summer.

GHS yearbooks

Guilderland High School 2015 yearbooks can now be purchased in the school store for $65.  Checks should be made out to GHS Yearbook or paid by the exact amount in cash.

Science 8

Parents are reminded that today 8th grade students enrolled in Science 8 are participating in the NYS Performance Test during their regularly scheduled Science class. The written test will be given on June 2, in the morning.

Totes for Hope

Thank you is extended to all who participated by collecting and donating personal items for veterans in need.

GHS graduation

Guilderland High School graduation will be held on Saturday, June 27.  Flowers will be available for purchase that day. 

Sports physicals

Guilderland High School students interested in playing a sport in the fall are reminded that the completed sport packet must be turned in to the school nurse's office. Physicals will be held on Tuesday, June 9, and also on June 16, from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Appointments must be made in advance.

Students honored

On May 4, 30 Guilderland students were recognized at the Capital Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, for their character, sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership both in the community as well as in the school.  Congratulations are extended to all who were honored.

Food pantry

The food pantry is located in the parish center of St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church. There are always needs such as soaps, dish detergents, and deodorants for ladies and men. All donations can be left in the Gathering Space at the church located on Grand Street.

Lunch fees

Parents are reminded that as of June 1, students  at the Altamont Elementary School will not be allowed to charge for a breakfast or lunch. For further information contact the office at the school at 861-8528.

Australian potluck

Friends of the Altamont Library are reminded that due to the Memorial Day celebration, the sampling of cuisine of Australia will take place on Monday, June 1, at 6 p.m. 

Grand officers

The past Grand Officers Association of the ARS District enjoyed a potluck dinner on Sunday, May 17, at the Van Rensselaer Masonic Hall in Rotterdam. Those attending from the Altamont area included: Pat and Gerry Irwin; Betty Spadaro; Stacey Wright; Jean Wright; Ann Vlahos;  and Jim and me. Others in attendance were from Schenectady, Rotterdam, East Greenbush, and Lansingburg.

Timing was perfect as we were able to enjoy a church service, the Altamont parade, and then the ARS Grand Officer's meeting and the delicious supper. 

Vacation Bible school

The dates for this year's VBS are August 17 through 21. The VBS is sponsored by the three churches in Altamont. More information to follow.

Anniversaries

Happy-anniversary wishes are extended to:

— Lil and Rob Paeglow celebrating their special day on May 30;

— Sher and Rick Seppa on May 31;

— Kelly and Dean Whalen on June 3; and

— Tracy and Bob Durand and Pat and Ken Rau on June 4.

Birthdays

Happy-birthday wishes are extended to:

— Stanley Barkley, Christopher David Cowan, Matthew Stephen Cowan, and Christine Purzycki on May 29;

— Gary Adams, Diana Arnold, Cheryl Hatch, and Bob Thomas on May 30;

— Daniel Joseph Battista, Caitlin Delzotto, Charlie Richards, and Carolyn Roberts on May 31;

— Abigail Peck and Susan Coolidge Woods on June 1;

— Doris Vojnar on June 2; and

— Mary Alice Weller Mayan, Jackie Perry, and Michael Rose on June 4

Correspondents note:  I am updating my birthday and anniversary lists.  If names should be added or deleted, I need to be notified.  Just jot me a note at rojascaru@aol.co.  Thank you.