We also for the most part know why we are in such celebration of this holiday. It is to given remembrance to ALL of our fallen men and women throughout history, that were out their, and risked life and limb to keep our country free and safe. I wanted to share a bit of history about it all, so I found a couple of links to share.
I also made my visit to my Dad's grave, put new flowers on it, and gosh forgot the flag. If this weather will give me a break over the next couple of days, I will make sure I get a flag out there also.
I didn't know about the "poppies" and how they play a role in all of this. So, I found that part interesting.
Here are the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
http://www.usmemorialday.org/?page_id=2
So, as we celebrate our holiday weekend in all kinds of ways, I want to say a very Happy and very Safe Memorial Day to All. I realize for many of us, the weather may "dampen" our celebration. For us here in the Ennis, area, just below Dallas, we are supposed to also be celebrating National Polka Festival. For those of you that don't know, Ennis has an amazing history of many people here that are of Czech background. Many are either full blood, or at least half Czech. We have many that their close relatives may have come over from the country, like my Great Grandparents did, many years ago. So, it is a huge National Celebration, and our town of about 8,000 will be more like 20,000 this weekend. The weather here is very bleak, gray and also rainy. So, that does put a real "damper" on the parade and all of the outside activities that start off this morning and go until Sunday evening. We have several "Czech" Halls here. They all of Polka bands, and in fact the Bellamy Brothers are here to be the opening band at the Sokol Hall this year. There is no telling how much barbeque, Klobase', Kolaches, Saurkraut and everything else that goes along with it will be consumed, as well as a LOAD of beer! They will be dancing the Polka all weekend long and even have a dance here in one of our streets, usually on one that still has the original brick that was first laid here in town for our streets. I am putting this link up for those of you that would like to know more about the event:
Here you go, this is the main website that can tell you all about it, the history, and see the beautiful costumes. I had several when I was younger. I am "Half Czech". My Mom is full blood and it was her Grandparents that came over on a boat there at the statue of Liberty many, many years ago..
http://www.nationalpolkafestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Polka-Festival/72290758415
So, as you can see, this "small town" has a great deal of "life" in it. Also, for any that don't know we also have what used to be the only "all-concrete" drag racing facility here. Which is the Texas Motorplex!!!! This town used to host two of the National events annually. One used to be on this weekend also, the spring nationals. I believe it probably just got too large too handle all of the events on one weekend. So, Ennis hosts the Fall Nationals in September I believe. When advertised they say in "Dallas", but NO it is right here in Ennis TX...
http://texasmotorplex.com/
Believe it or not I RACED down that drag strip several years back!!! We at that time did the Friday races in the spring and summer months. I spent a great deal of time out there when I was not "chronically ill" ... and loved the racing... nothing like going down a track, in a car, the quarter mile, at well over 120 MPH, for a "novice" like myself... So, that is another fact about my town.I did the "bracket racing" back then....
