Memorial Day Memories: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Darrington WA cemetery, established 1917

My hometown and Mayberry, North Carolina, home of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), had a lot in common. He, his son Opie, Aunt Bee, and even Barney Fife would have fit right in with the many Tarheels (North Carolinians).

Mom and I moved from Darrington in 1970, but my memories live on.

Life was not perfect. Like with other small towns, there was gossip, sickness, tragedy, friendships formed and broken. Yet when trouble came, our town looked after its own. Caring neighbors often gave what they couldn’t afford to spare.

Special events helped make a close-knit community. Loyal basketball teams swarmed the gym for hometown games and drove hundreds of miles to support the high school team. Churches threw wide their doors on Sundays and for mid-week services. High attendance at the many Christmas programs, and the annual Easter sunrise service, reflected the town’s support for both school and church.

 A well-loved tradition

We observed Memorial Day (then Decoration Day) with a general clean-up. Residents arrived at the cemetery on Saturday or Sunday with garden tools, a wealth of flowers, and small flags to honor those who gave their lives for our country.

People visited and shared memories. Some years representatives from the VFW put on a short program. Hats off, flags flying, hands over hearts, “The Star-Spangled Banner” had never been more meaningful.

I won’t be in Darrington tomorrow, but my thoughts and prayers will be on those long-ago celebrations. I will again honor those no longer with us. May God bless you with peace as you cherish precious memories of those who have gone on before but who left indelible marks on your hearts and lives. 

Colleen