Memorial Saturday 9

Good Morning! The Conley family has been up since 4 am--it is (was) so hot in the house (at midnight it said 82* in the house). The last couple of days it has been very humid here in western NY. So, the guys have been busy putting in the window ac's. ANYWAYS, here we are, the Saturday 9.

Saturday 9: Battle Hymn of the Republic (1963)

Unfamiliar with Judy Garland's rendition of this week's tune? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. 

1) On May 30, 1868, President Grant presided over the Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery. Have you ever visited Arlington Cemetery?

Yes when I was child. It is a very humbling experience.

2) On Memorial Day, it is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset. Will you be flying the flag at your home this weekend?

The flag is always flying here.

3) Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, because flowers and ribbons were left on graves of soldiers.  Do you find solace in visiting cemeteries?

No. I am actually creeped out. But we do upkeep the Conley plot. The cemetery director and I go around and around about this. We have found knocked over gravestones and the upkeep isn't very good.

4) The lyrics to this week's song were written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861. Her inspiration was a White House visit with Abraham Lincoln. In 2020, under normal circumstances, public tours of the White House are available but you must request your ticket in advance from your Member of Congress (House or Senate). When you travel, do you plan your trip weeks before you go? Or do you decide how your days will unfold once you reach your destination?

A little of both. Hotels or rental is made before hand, the rest, we play by ear.

5) Judy Garland performed this week's song before a live audience as a tribute to President Kennedy, who had been assassinated just weeks before. She knew Kennedy personally and considered this a farewell to a friend. While the performance was difficult for her -- at one point she flubs the lyrics -- she believed it was important, and could perhaps help the country heal. Tell us about a song that reminds you of someone you loved who is no longer with us.

I can't think of anything. But let me say, any Patriotic song really affects me. I can't get through the Star Spangled Banner without balling. My husband wants TAPS and Amazing Grace. I still can't get through those either.

6) John F. Kennedy served in WWII and was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps medal and a Purple Heart. His brother Joe also served and was awarded the Navy Cross, but he received his citation posthumously, having died during a flying mission over East Suffolk, England. Here at Saturday 9, we consider everyone who serves a hero and want to hear about the veterans and active military members in your life.

My husband was a military police in the Marines, my dad was a door gunner in the Army, my late fil was in the Air Force, my one bil was in the Army for 22 years, my other bil was in the National Guard, my one brother was in the Air Force.

7) Memorial Day is considered the beginning of the summer season. Will you be enjoying warm weather this weekend?

Yes and muggy too (its currently raining, but suppose to be near 90* by Monday)

8) Berries are especially popular in summer. Which is your favorite: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries?

All the above. I love berries

9) If you could attend a Memorial Day picnic with any fictional character, which would you choose?

Fictional? No. if I could, I would invite every single military member (former and present) to grand a picnic.