Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD – The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are vivid reminders of the significance of Memorial Day, Monday’s federal holiday honoring the women and men who died in military service. In my opinion, there is no greater public service than military service and my thoughts on this holiday weekend are with those who are serving our country and their families who hope and pray daily for their safe return.
During World War II, my now 110 year old grandmother, saw both of her sons off to combat in the Pacific. My Dad was a Coast Guard commander and my uncle, an Air Force pilot. My grandmother wrote each of them every day while they were away. In addition, she and a group of her friends knitted thousands of pairs of wool socks and sent them to the troops. A family friend, who survived the Battle of the Bulge, still tells stories about those warm socks she sent him.
Most people, including me, will spend the weekend with family and friends. As a former chair of the advisory board, I’m planning to attend the graduation of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Science and the Arts in Hot Springs. I’ll also be attending a graduation party for a family friend earning her masters in social work, cooking out with longtime friends, visiting my Dad and Grandmother, mowing my yard, catching up on some work and hopefully watching a movie or two. It’s also Riverfest weekend in downtown Little Rock and while the popular festival attracts thousands, I won’t be one of them. The best thing I like about Riverfest is when it is over.
The Clinton School will be closed Memorial Day, but devoted volunteer Bob Gee will be on hand to make sure our historic building is open for tourists who are visiting the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. By the end of next week, the vast majority of our students will have arrived at their international public service project locations all over the world. Some are already on the job, and I’m enjoying reading their blogs about their experiences.
Have a wonderful and safe weekend. Please remember those who are serving and those who have died serving.