Catlett: Give blood today at Trinity
In Columbus. Miss., in 1866, the Civil War had been over for a year, but Union soldiers still occupied the town. Passion and prejudice had consumed more than 500,000 American lives between 1861 and 1865, and bitterness was still smoldering.
Just outside Columbus is a cemetery where both Confederate and Union soldiers killed in the Battle of Shiloh are buried.
On April 25, 1866, four young women paid a visit to the cemetery to tend the graves of lost loved ones and decorate them with memorial garlands of flowers. After decorating the Confederate graves, the women walked over to a small plot where 40 Union soldiers were buried. Gently they scattered southern magnolia blossoms on the Northern graves.
News of this compassionate gesture quickly spread. Soon, in many small towns all over the country, people were gathering at Civil War cemeteries and holding "memorial day" services. In 1868, Gen. John A. Logan designated May 30 as Memorial Day.
Today, Memorial Day is recognized as a day honoring all those who have fought America's wars and is legally observed on the last Monday in May.
Next Monday, each of us will be celebrating Memorial Day. There will be family get-togethers, parades, special services in local cemeteries or just quiet days away from work watching a favorite movie. Whatever you do, please take a few moments to thank those who gave their lives for the freedom we all enjoy in our country today.
Annual Memorial Day services will be held at Catlett Methodist Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26. The Rev. Steve Little, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church will lead the service.
"Hats off to the Ladies" was the theme of the Christian Women's Club Brunch last Thursday at Fauquier Springs Country Club. Every lady wore a hat or was given one for this festive time. The feature by Martha Henry gave a "hats off" to school girls, brides, mothers, grandmothers and even The Red Hat Society. Bringing us variety in song were Bethann and John Rome. Bethann was raised in Florida and studied opera. John, from Minnesota, studied guitar and country music. Together they make a rich sound in the combination of soprano and baritone.
Oh yes, Jill Orndoff and her daughter Carol were there. Miss Jill was sporting a blue dress with hat to match. Others from Catlett were Veve Eldridge, Edith Williamson, Kitty Mercer and me.
Diane and Steve Wade entered one of their vintage tractors In the parade in Nokesville on Saturday, May 17.
Also on May 17, Lindsay Flippo graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in English. She is a very talented writer and hopes to get work in this field. Congratulations, Lindsay. You have our best wishes for your future endeavors.
Joyce Tompkins was surprised by her daughters with a 70th birthday party at the Cedar Run building. She was totally surprised. She brought cole slaw to what she thought was a party for granddaughter Natalia's graduation.
Congratulations, Joyce, and best wishes for many, many more happy birthdays. Again, we were privileged to spend time with Miss Jill sitting at our table.
Warren and I celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary on Monday, May 19. No big party this time. Just a simple meal together before I hurried off to a meeting at H.M. Pearson Elementary School.
Anthony Garnett wishes to pay honor to his grandparents, Hilda and David Blackwell of Midland, upon the celebration their 58th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, May 20. We all send congratulations to this special couple in our community and wish them many more years together.
Results from the Fauquier Show and Sales of two weeks ago: Kayla Harrover's steer won Best-all-around, Mary Ott placed first in the carcass contest, and Zack Rich and Krieg Smith placed in the top 10. Congratulations to these and all our young people who work so hard with their 4-H projects. Glad to hear Kayla's dad, Phil, was out enjoying his daughter's honors.
The Red Cross blood drive will be held at Trinity Methodist Church from 3-7:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 21. For more information, call (540) 788-4250.
There will be a yard sale sponsored by the UMM of Wesleyan United Methodist Church of Calverton from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 24. The UMW will be having a bake sale. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for lunch.
There is a Neighborhood Prayer Watch on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary of Trinity Methodist Church. All churches are invited to attend this time of prayer for our families, community, county, state and nation. Pastors are invited to take part in leading this group and encouraging congregations to attend.
Catlett columnist Virginia Copeland can be reached at (540) 788-4609 or catlett1966@earthlink.net.