Holiday brings back memories

by NANCY SLAYMAKER Thinking of the Fourth of July brings back many happy memories of Wellington.

The big old house was coming back to life -- sandblasted, trim painted, shutters fixed. The horses and ponies are settled in their stalls at the back of the carriage house. The kids had met new friends and were adjusted. P.C. is starting his new job and I have met neighbors and new friends.

One of my next door neighbors, M. Mc.- had come over to talk about the approaching Fourth of July. Her comments included, "Everyone on South Main works to be sure their yards are mowed, picked up and look great. Please display the American flag, in fact you may use our flag, the one that always hung from your front porch. You cannot keep it, though, she said -- but can use it. It is too big for our small porch."

And as she left she said, "Your hostas need the weeds pulled around them."

OK M., I said, I will take care of it.

Later my other next door neighbor came over and asked how the house was coming, etc. She told me every fourth, she and her family have juice, coffee and rolls in their front yard for neighbors and friends after the parade and services at the cemetery. The cemetery was just around the corner at the end of the block.

"That is very nice," I said.

"We like to do it," P. said. "Of course you are all invited. Will give you a chance to meet more people."

"Thanks so much," I said.

Well the morning of the parade, the streets were lined with people -- children, parents, babies in strollers; some people had brought their dogs. There were many people in front of our house. It was a lovely morning. South Main looked great with flags flying on every house and all yards were tidy.

We sat on yard chairs close to our front porch. Several people walked up to us and told us how nice the house was looking. Most introduced themselves to us. Our kids were gone, standing with their new friends.

Then in the distance you could hear the band coming, our wonderful Wellington band. They were playing patriotic songs and marches and it gave me goosebumps. They approached and looked like soldiers marching in step; they looked and sounded great! I do remember the Boy and Cub scouts coming by, and lots of bicycles with kids riding them, all decorated with red white and blue crepe paper intertwined in the spokes and hanging from their handlebars. One had his puppy in the bike basket.

Many more came -- veterans and organizations. Then to my surprise the Spirit of '76 picture had come to life and they came with the drum and fife and the American flag, all in costume, as the painting had shown.

How impressed I was and now I knew I had fallen in love with this small village and its people, a community that had welcomed us with open arms. I felt very lucky.

More later. I still keep very busy, but never too busy to share my memories with you, Wellingtonians.