Community events · May 24, 2014
Memorial Day gathering - May 24, 2014
From the community archive · Originally posted May 24, 2014. Notices and references reflect that time.
Although the Memorial Day Weekend Golf Cart parade was pretty much rained out on Saturday morning, the noontime picnic enjoyed beautiful spring weather. The picnic was held at the home of Cary and Anna Walker. Before the picnic, a ceremony to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our troops was opened by Dan Schmeling, president of the El Dorado Property Owners Association. Dr. Larry Gray played his trumpet to accompany the singing of the National Anthem. All veterans in the group were called forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Commander Cathy Small from VFW 3992 in Mount Vernon spoke to the group about the importance and true meaning of Memorial Day. She was accompanied to the picnic by Paige Griffin, Secretary of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Jane Simpson, the in-coming President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Dan Schmeling explained the meaning of the "Buddy" Poppies that were available for a donation, and he followed that with a reading of the poem "In Flanders Field" by John McCrae. The ceremony was closed by Scott Walker who played "Taps" on his trumpet. Approximately 50 members of the El Dorado family participated in the event. Afterwards our very own brat-meister, Cliff Fitzgerald, worked his magic and served up brats and hot dogs as the entree for our potluck picnic. A good time was had by all!
