What a wonderful day it was.....a little breezy, cloudy and the temperature was perfect! That was Veteran's Day and it seemed everything was just right! We had fifty or so chairs; they were filled.....and as many were standing. So many veterans were there, most dressed in their uniforms looking so terrific. Amazing how so many were still able to get into those great uniforms, all looking so proud!
In the background of the veiled sign stood a wooden frame with the flags of all branches of the service, P.O.W.'s, an American flag centered among them all and loaned to us by Chris Fox. Hanging high above the crowd from a huge ladder-like apparatus from the Fire Department was another American flag waving in the breeze, grey clouds floating above it all as if in memory of our fallen veterans! Sounds like a Norman Rockwell painting doesn't it!
The object of the day was to honor all veterans living, or in their memory. The Hammond Garden Club had gone a few steps further and made it extra special for them by acquiring a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker dedicated to all veterans and erecting an American flag behind it at the entrance to Zemurray Park. Both stood in the middle and behind the butterfly garden. Whitney Statham and her crew had planted lovely lavender and pink Phlox with rose and purple Calathea, (lavender and rose are our club colors), and Dwarf Nandina outlining the shape of the butterfly garden.
Some months ago we had a meeting with Mayor Panepinto stressing how much we wanted to do this as a club but we needed funds to do so. After explaining our plight to him he said, "I'm on board, we want to help with this". So with funds from the city, donations from others for the flag pole, Representative Chris Broadwater got a flag that flew over the capitol for us and Representative Steve Pugh had the paperwork put through the Legislature to erect the Marker, we were good to go!
Father Cayet Mangiaracina of Holy Ghost Catholic Church was asked to begin the event with his invocation which was beautifully done setting the tone of the celebration.
As an "Amen" resounded at the end of the invocation all eyes turned right to see the four uniformed cadets marching in cadence from the Ponchatoula JROTC looking like the next soldiers we will be having a veteran's day event for. The American flag, that of their unit and of Louisiana with rifles on the end cadet's shoulders, they marched in. Their knees all bent at the same time as did their turns as we heard, "Left, left, left, right, left"!
When the color guards were in place Retired US Air Force Col. James Nelson and Retired US Army Infantry Tech Sergeant William Bader hoisted the exquisite American flag. You could just see the patriotism in their faces as they pulled the rope lifting that flag.
You can't imagine how seeing the Blue Star Marker, that American flag on the new pole and the huge American flag that the Fire Department flew over the crowd made chills run down my spine. And as the flag was attached going up the pole Rose Anders with her gorgeous voice began singing the "Star Spangled Banner".....if that didn't bring a tear to your eyes you must have ice water running in your veins!
Our emcee and President Carolyn Schwebel then asked Retired US Navy Lt. and P.O.W. George Will to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. There is something uttered with a salute as an officer of the military begins the Pledge that made it more meaningful than I have ever heard it before. "I pledge allegiance".....followed by the crowd with a lump in our throats and tears in our eyes.
Carolyn then asked Mayor Panepinto if he would unveil the Blue Star Memorial Marker since the City of Hammond funded it's purchase and without that help the garden club probably wouldn't have been able to afford it.
He stepped on the flagstones in the garden and removed the black Naugahyde material covering the sign. It was spectacular! A big blue star in top center representing what people put in their windows in 1945 after WWII in honor of the veterans. On a shiny brown surface, the letters in gold, dedicating this to all veterans from the Hammond Garden Club with the City of Hammond and with the LA Garden Club Federation. A sight to behold; hope everyone passes by and sees it and realizes it's significance.
Once the sign had been unveiled Carolyn called on Retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer (and HGC member) Colleen Scott to read the dedication which begins with "We are here to pay tribute....." It pledges that we will not forget, we will remember and closes with "We dedicate this Blue Star Marker to the honor and glory of all those men and women in the Armed Forces of this great Nation". A very moving presentation.
A beautiful wreath was made by member Linda Ryan in red, white and blue flowers, ribbons and flags and Carolyn called on Retired US Army Corporal Sal La Monte and Retired US Army SP5 Dr. John Alexander to place the wreath by the Blue Star Marker. The wall behind the flag and wreath had pictures and memorabilia from veterans relatives that attended the celebration.
When the wreath had been placed Carolyn called on Attorney Sam Dileo who has a very fond place in his heart for the veterans and gave a speech about Zemurray Park that was also dedicated to the military and then about the difference in being sheep, wolves or a sheep-dog. The latter is what the military are called who keep us, (the sheep) free from the wolves, (the bad guys, the terrorists)! A very poignant speech that Mary Thornhill's granddaughter told her she was going home to tell her Dad (who is in the military) that he was a sheep-dog!
The president, Carolyn, then called on the vocalist Rose Anders again to sing "God Bless America". With the voice of an angel she sang the intro and then motioned for everyone to join in. That's another one that I can hardly make through without getting choked up! (Just call me a ninny baby...but I know for a fact I wasn't the only one)!
After the song Carolyn thanked all those that made this possible and made me promise that I would say I was the "Event Manager" for the whole thing and spent many long hours preparing, begging and getting people to lend me things for this celebration. Every time I take on something like this I always say "never again". But this was different...this was a labor of love and I'd do it again for the vets anytime.
After the thank you's Peggy Dunn read a poem titled "Just A Common Soldier" and subtitled "A Soldier Died Today". I'm sure you can tell by the title that tissues were coming out of everyone's pockets. On top of that Blake Daniels played TAPS when she had finished the poem, lots of wiping tears then too.
It was a very moving ceremony and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Refreshments were served after it ended of cookies, cupcakes, coffee and chocolate milk.
I must thank every one I begged or cajoled into doing things, lending me things or donating things for all to enjoy. First and foremost is Mayor Panepinto and the City of Hammond, Chris Broadwater, Steve Pugh, the police dept., the fire dept., Chris Fox, the Ponchatoula ROTC, Seale & Ross and Linda Ross, Matt Cotton, Lee Collins, Marta Lichtl, John and Juanita Pearson, Rose Anders and Father Cayet. Winn Dixie, Albertson's, PJ's on Thomas, all those that played a part in the ceremony itself, all the veterans that attended and their families and all the ladies of the Hammond Garden Club and some of their husbands. Thanks also to the District VI Director Kyle Martin and LGCF President Jeanette Gatzman that came from Baton Rouge and Covington using their day to attend our event.
I especially want to thank Robert Morgan who is the Superintendent of Streets, for all his and his workers help in erecting the sign and the flag pole. Dori St. Cyr, Lacey Landrum and Whitney Statham and crew for all their help and expertise. I am in hopes that I haven't left anyone out but be assured even if you helped me in some small way it did not go unnoticed, you have my deepest gratitude, (and I will probably call on you again in the future).
.....and just to let you know how important this was to one person, there was a car parked on the side entrance street of the park that stayed there the entire time. Inside sat an elderly lady and driving was her sitter. She wasn't able to get out but thought it was very important for her to attend because she too was a veteran! You never know what small thing may be the very thing that made that persons day.
Sorry for spending so much time and space on my column with the Veteran's Day ceremony but it needed all the space and time to let you know how much this means to our vets. If you see a vet today please stop and thank them for their service. It may be the small thing that makes their day!
Our November meeting took place at Murphy's Seafood Restaurant with the same delicious food as usual! Carolyn called the meeting to order and began with the usual new business since our speaker was unable to attend. She asked Chaplain Mary Thornhill to open with a prayer and we all joined in with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next was the Treasurer's report given by Phyllis diBenedetto, and minutes had been dispensed with since Karen Granier was absent. We were told that the Garden of the Month had not been selected as yet and Jewel Jamal said that First Guaranty Bank had gotten the Link Award.
Carolyn called on me to give a report on the Veteran's Day Ceremony which I did and asked for help in the refreshment tent and asked everyone to wear their club shirts.
Gail Diebold chairperson for decorating the Christmas trees at North Oaks gave out dates to choose which would be the best to decorate them followed by the gazebo. November 29 at 10:00 AM was the time and date voted on.
It was mentioned that the Springfield Elementary School was in need of books for their library. Either gently used or new or any monetary donation to buy them with. Motion was made that this could be used for our Books and Library Committee donation. The motion was voted on and passed.
It was also decided to use the fish fry again for a fundraiser. Much less preparation, time spent, we just have to sell the tickets!
Margaret Hawkins made the suggestion since we seem to be getting so many new members, it's hard to remember everyone's name. She brought a metal name tag to show us and Shirley Pellichino volunteered to get the information on them to present at the next meeting.
Really nice wooden, decorated bird houses were the hostesses door prizes and were won by Linda Ross, Shirley Pellichino and Clara Houston.
Our meals were then served, conversations ensued, all imbibed and were so satisfied before going home.
The Hammond Garden Club is a proud member of the District VI Garden Club Federation and the Deep South Region of the National Garden Clubs doing our best to unify and beautify our homes, gardens, our city and our nation every day to the best of our ability.
God Bless America!
by Linda Broussard she is a member of the Hammond Garden Club
In the background of the veiled sign stood a wooden frame with the flags of all branches of the service, P.O.W.'s, an American flag centered among them all and loaned to us by Chris Fox. Hanging high above the crowd from a huge ladder-like apparatus from the Fire Department was another American flag waving in the breeze, grey clouds floating above it all as if in memory of our fallen veterans! Sounds like a Norman Rockwell painting doesn't it!
The object of the day was to honor all veterans living, or in their memory. The Hammond Garden Club had gone a few steps further and made it extra special for them by acquiring a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker dedicated to all veterans and erecting an American flag behind it at the entrance to Zemurray Park. Both stood in the middle and behind the butterfly garden. Whitney Statham and her crew had planted lovely lavender and pink Phlox with rose and purple Calathea, (lavender and rose are our club colors), and Dwarf Nandina outlining the shape of the butterfly garden.
Some months ago we had a meeting with Mayor Panepinto stressing how much we wanted to do this as a club but we needed funds to do so. After explaining our plight to him he said, "I'm on board, we want to help with this". So with funds from the city, donations from others for the flag pole, Representative Chris Broadwater got a flag that flew over the capitol for us and Representative Steve Pugh had the paperwork put through the Legislature to erect the Marker, we were good to go!
Father Cayet Mangiaracina of Holy Ghost Catholic Church was asked to begin the event with his invocation which was beautifully done setting the tone of the celebration.
As an "Amen" resounded at the end of the invocation all eyes turned right to see the four uniformed cadets marching in cadence from the Ponchatoula JROTC looking like the next soldiers we will be having a veteran's day event for. The American flag, that of their unit and of Louisiana with rifles on the end cadet's shoulders, they marched in. Their knees all bent at the same time as did their turns as we heard, "Left, left, left, right, left"!
When the color guards were in place Retired US Air Force Col. James Nelson and Retired US Army Infantry Tech Sergeant William Bader hoisted the exquisite American flag. You could just see the patriotism in their faces as they pulled the rope lifting that flag.
You can't imagine how seeing the Blue Star Marker, that American flag on the new pole and the huge American flag that the Fire Department flew over the crowd made chills run down my spine. And as the flag was attached going up the pole Rose Anders with her gorgeous voice began singing the "Star Spangled Banner".....if that didn't bring a tear to your eyes you must have ice water running in your veins!
Our emcee and President Carolyn Schwebel then asked Retired US Navy Lt. and P.O.W. George Will to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. There is something uttered with a salute as an officer of the military begins the Pledge that made it more meaningful than I have ever heard it before. "I pledge allegiance".....followed by the crowd with a lump in our throats and tears in our eyes.
Carolyn then asked Mayor Panepinto if he would unveil the Blue Star Memorial Marker since the City of Hammond funded it's purchase and without that help the garden club probably wouldn't have been able to afford it.
He stepped on the flagstones in the garden and removed the black Naugahyde material covering the sign. It was spectacular! A big blue star in top center representing what people put in their windows in 1945 after WWII in honor of the veterans. On a shiny brown surface, the letters in gold, dedicating this to all veterans from the Hammond Garden Club with the City of Hammond and with the LA Garden Club Federation. A sight to behold; hope everyone passes by and sees it and realizes it's significance.
Once the sign had been unveiled Carolyn called on Retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer (and HGC member) Colleen Scott to read the dedication which begins with "We are here to pay tribute....." It pledges that we will not forget, we will remember and closes with "We dedicate this Blue Star Marker to the honor and glory of all those men and women in the Armed Forces of this great Nation". A very moving presentation.
A beautiful wreath was made by member Linda Ryan in red, white and blue flowers, ribbons and flags and Carolyn called on Retired US Army Corporal Sal La Monte and Retired US Army SP5 Dr. John Alexander to place the wreath by the Blue Star Marker. The wall behind the flag and wreath had pictures and memorabilia from veterans relatives that attended the celebration.
When the wreath had been placed Carolyn called on Attorney Sam Dileo who has a very fond place in his heart for the veterans and gave a speech about Zemurray Park that was also dedicated to the military and then about the difference in being sheep, wolves or a sheep-dog. The latter is what the military are called who keep us, (the sheep) free from the wolves, (the bad guys, the terrorists)! A very poignant speech that Mary Thornhill's granddaughter told her she was going home to tell her Dad (who is in the military) that he was a sheep-dog!
The president, Carolyn, then called on the vocalist Rose Anders again to sing "God Bless America". With the voice of an angel she sang the intro and then motioned for everyone to join in. That's another one that I can hardly make through without getting choked up! (Just call me a ninny baby...but I know for a fact I wasn't the only one)!
After the song Carolyn thanked all those that made this possible and made me promise that I would say I was the "Event Manager" for the whole thing and spent many long hours preparing, begging and getting people to lend me things for this celebration. Every time I take on something like this I always say "never again". But this was different...this was a labor of love and I'd do it again for the vets anytime.
After the thank you's Peggy Dunn read a poem titled "Just A Common Soldier" and subtitled "A Soldier Died Today". I'm sure you can tell by the title that tissues were coming out of everyone's pockets. On top of that Blake Daniels played TAPS when she had finished the poem, lots of wiping tears then too.
It was a very moving ceremony and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Refreshments were served after it ended of cookies, cupcakes, coffee and chocolate milk.
I must thank every one I begged or cajoled into doing things, lending me things or donating things for all to enjoy. First and foremost is Mayor Panepinto and the City of Hammond, Chris Broadwater, Steve Pugh, the police dept., the fire dept., Chris Fox, the Ponchatoula ROTC, Seale & Ross and Linda Ross, Matt Cotton, Lee Collins, Marta Lichtl, John and Juanita Pearson, Rose Anders and Father Cayet. Winn Dixie, Albertson's, PJ's on Thomas, all those that played a part in the ceremony itself, all the veterans that attended and their families and all the ladies of the Hammond Garden Club and some of their husbands. Thanks also to the District VI Director Kyle Martin and LGCF President Jeanette Gatzman that came from Baton Rouge and Covington using their day to attend our event.
I especially want to thank Robert Morgan who is the Superintendent of Streets, for all his and his workers help in erecting the sign and the flag pole. Dori St. Cyr, Lacey Landrum and Whitney Statham and crew for all their help and expertise. I am in hopes that I haven't left anyone out but be assured even if you helped me in some small way it did not go unnoticed, you have my deepest gratitude, (and I will probably call on you again in the future).
.....and just to let you know how important this was to one person, there was a car parked on the side entrance street of the park that stayed there the entire time. Inside sat an elderly lady and driving was her sitter. She wasn't able to get out but thought it was very important for her to attend because she too was a veteran! You never know what small thing may be the very thing that made that persons day.
Sorry for spending so much time and space on my column with the Veteran's Day ceremony but it needed all the space and time to let you know how much this means to our vets. If you see a vet today please stop and thank them for their service. It may be the small thing that makes their day!
Our November meeting took place at Murphy's Seafood Restaurant with the same delicious food as usual! Carolyn called the meeting to order and began with the usual new business since our speaker was unable to attend. She asked Chaplain Mary Thornhill to open with a prayer and we all joined in with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next was the Treasurer's report given by Phyllis diBenedetto, and minutes had been dispensed with since Karen Granier was absent. We were told that the Garden of the Month had not been selected as yet and Jewel Jamal said that First Guaranty Bank had gotten the Link Award.
Carolyn called on me to give a report on the Veteran's Day Ceremony which I did and asked for help in the refreshment tent and asked everyone to wear their club shirts.
Gail Diebold chairperson for decorating the Christmas trees at North Oaks gave out dates to choose which would be the best to decorate them followed by the gazebo. November 29 at 10:00 AM was the time and date voted on.
It was mentioned that the Springfield Elementary School was in need of books for their library. Either gently used or new or any monetary donation to buy them with. Motion was made that this could be used for our Books and Library Committee donation. The motion was voted on and passed.
It was also decided to use the fish fry again for a fundraiser. Much less preparation, time spent, we just have to sell the tickets!
Margaret Hawkins made the suggestion since we seem to be getting so many new members, it's hard to remember everyone's name. She brought a metal name tag to show us and Shirley Pellichino volunteered to get the information on them to present at the next meeting.
Really nice wooden, decorated bird houses were the hostesses door prizes and were won by Linda Ross, Shirley Pellichino and Clara Houston.
Our meals were then served, conversations ensued, all imbibed and were so satisfied before going home.
The Hammond Garden Club is a proud member of the District VI Garden Club Federation and the Deep South Region of the National Garden Clubs doing our best to unify and beautify our homes, gardens, our city and our nation every day to the best of our ability.
God Bless America!
by Linda Broussard she is a member of the Hammond Garden Club