Life in a Small Town

Life in a small town is never better than on patriotic holidays.  Brevard is a small town with a population of fewer than seven thousand people.  So when we celebrate a holiday we simply close off the streets and people walk toward the courthouse which sits in the middle of town.  There is friendly conversation among strangers as we gather.

Transylvania County Courthouse

Presentation of the colors

Special seating for our WWII veterans.

We all joined together to sing our National Anthem.  We were led by a lovely soprano who did not feel the need to personalize it to suit her style and make the song "her own." We sang it as it was meant to be sung.  (Well, perhaps we weren't meant to strain so hard on those high notes at the end.)  Salutes from those in the military, hands across our hearts from the rest of us.  Every single person paying rapt attention, perhaps standing a little taller than usual.  What a wonderful feeling.

We had the usual number of speeches, some inspirational, some far too long, but all delivered with pride and enthusiasm.  There is something so intimate about celebrations in a small town like ours.  The crowd included several men and women in military uniform and I often saw complete strangers walk up to shake their hands and thank them for serving our country.  Little children carried small American flags and nearly everyone was wearing a poppy.  Life is so good in a small town.

  I hope you and your loved ones are safe this Memorial Day.

In the words of Thomas Moore:

Peace to each soul that sleepeth;

Rest to each faithful eye that weepeth.