Janice Schoonover said, "It takes five of us to do what Eva did."
Well, that might be a slight stretch but it's close.
On a couple of occasions over the years, I did see Eva Whitehead's sister helping her place flags on the graves at Pack River Cemetery prior to Memorial Day.
Eva passed away last year, and the cemetery at the corner of Selle and Colburn-Culver Roads now serves as her resting place.
Eva's Torch has been passed, as have the flags.
Yesterday I learned from Liz Wood (after teasing her in a telephone conversation that her cows were out next door) that she would be traveling to the cemetery later in the afternoon to join other board members in placing flags on the graves of veterans.
Liz told me that, as has been done for years, the Gold n' Grouse 4-H Club had completed a cemetery cleanup this past weekend.
So, now it was time for American flags to decorate the hallowed spot where gravestones include names like Wood, Schoonover, Albertson, McNall, Fitchett, Neely and, yes, even Tibbs.
I can say that I have known the group who help serve as guardians of the graves for most of my life.
I knew many when they were members of the Gold n' Grouse 4-H Club and more than likely participated in clean-up day. Some were former students.
Now, their generation has taken on the responsibility of managing the cemetery.
From the looks of the area yesterday, both 4-H'ers and board members have taken an abundance of pride in its appearance for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and for their loved ones residing there.
It's a nice and important civic tradition, often an unseen aspect of community.
The Pack River Cemetery community is fortunate, to say the least.
Thanks, Liz, for this opportunity to document your group's activities yesterday and thanks to all who maintain this special place where we can remember those who came before us.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of tagging along with Roley and Janice Wood Schoonover, Liz Wood, Tom Albertson, Linda Palmen Fitchett,
Happy Friday.
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