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Message |
    
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7517
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 12:19 pm: | 
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Thank you to everyone who helped make this morning go so smoothly and to everyone who turned out to watch the parade and stayed for the ceremony. Could you please take a moment to post any suggestions you might have to make next year even better? I have already received the following suggestions:
1. Arrange for one of the town jitneys to carry Veterans who are unable to walk the parade route but who would like to participate. We could get many more Veterans in the parade if they knew in advance that transport had already been arranged for them. Quite a few were very uncomfortable about asking for or accepting the few rides available.
2. Find a way to encourage persons who turned out for the parade to attend the memorial ceremony (which is really what Memorial Day is all about) and stay until the memorial service is over. I am sad to say that most of the persons in attendance left in the middle of the ceremony to get a good position for the duck races.
Comments on either of the above and/or other suggestions most welcome.
Thansk again for turning out to honor our fallen heroes. |
nan
Citizen
Username: Nan
Post Number: 2394
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 12:58 pm: |
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Joan,
You looked fabulous today leading the parade and waving to the crowd from an army jeep! 
A good time was had by all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7518
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 2:45 pm: |
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Nan:
Thanks so much for the kind words. Any idea how we could try and make things even better for next year? |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 5032
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 3:25 pm: |
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Has anyone ever considered holding the ceremony down in the amphitheater? Then the duck race fans would be right there.
Or, you could have the races start at a later time, long enough that it wouldn't be worth sitting down there that long. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7520
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 3:49 pm: |
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Tom:
We hold the ceremony at Town Hall for several reasons:
1. We have the indoor space to run to if it starts to rain.
2. The Veteran's Memorial and the flag pole are right there.
3. There is a raised, sheltered seating area for the Veterans who are in attendance.
4. That is where the parade ends. Vehicles would have trouble carrying the less ambulatory to the amphitheater since there is no paved road leading in there.
5. It is difficult enough to move the tomb the few feet to the top of the Town Hall steps. It would be difficult to truck it to the amphitheater.
6. I'm not sure about the logistics involved in setting up the new sound system there.
Even if we were to consider moving the ceremony to the amphitheater, there is still a line of trees between the amphitheater and the river so the problem of spectators abandoning the ceremony for the duck races would not be solved.
Perhaps if we held the ceremony on a float anchored to the the middle of the river and tossed out the first heat of ducks as the Columbia High School Marching Band was playing taps????????????
I have had a conversation with Kiwanis every year regarding the duck races. They agreed to start one half an hour later than usual this year, which was a good thing because we didn't end until a little after their past start time of 10:30 AM. They like the fact that the parade is such a good lead in to their event but they can't seem to realize that they are pulling people away from the ceremony which is at the heart of the morning's celebration. Maybe if the area by the river were to be closed off until after the ceremony and the duck was to lead a procession across the street to the river, once the assembly had been disimissed?????
Can you tell that I really don't like the idea of holding duck races on Memorial Day morning? |
bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 720
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 3:51 pm: |
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Joan, what a great job organizing this again. We stayed until the service was over but it was hard to keep even the fourth graders interested. I wish the service could have some component that reached out to kids in some way. Not a kiddie centric service...that is not the point! But surely we want the kids to understand the messages inherent in any memorial day service and as it stands our current format makes no accomodation or attempt to reach them. The service should reach a multigenerational audience. I'm not an educator so I wouldn't know how to begin. I don't want to trivialize the occasion. I am conflicted over the clowns and candy throwing in what I feel should be a solemn occasion which celebrates lives and sacrifice. It is a catch 22 situation. I suspect if you didn't have the more fun elements the attendance would be lower.
I hope no one is offended by these comments. Anyway, thanks again Joan to you and all the volunteers for all your hard work. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7521
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 4:02 pm: |
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Bookgal:
That is a really excellent idea! Thank you for making it! I will speak with my husband, the Master of Ceremonies who planned the memorial ceremony, about making the ceremony more child friendly next year. The memorial part of the ceremony with the recitation of the names of the recently depared, the laying of wreaths and the playing of taps is not apt to change but perhaps one or more of the speeches could be changed to present things in a more child friendly manner.
If you or anyone else has any specific specific ideas about how to bring the message of Memorial Day to young children please post them here so we can all explore them.
Thanks again for your input. |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1906
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 4:22 pm: |
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Joan,
You did a wonderful job organizing and pulling all the scouts, committees, veterans, police officers, fire fighters, dogs and children together!
The parade was great, thanks so much.
Oh, and I second Nan's comment - you looked quite spiffy in the Jeep!
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cody
Citizen
Username: Cody
Post Number: 1010
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 5:00 pm: |
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I was away for the weekend, so I didn't get to the ceremony this morning. I'm sorry for that.
What would you all think about having some cut flowers available and having the children who are attending the ceremony go up to the veterans and hand them each a flower at some point during the ceremony? Perhaps the children could stand with the veterans during the Pledge of Allegiance?
I grew up hearing WWII stories from my dad and uncles so the day did have meaning for me, but perhaps today's young children don't have the same immediate identification with veterans. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7526
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 5:21 pm: |
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Cody:
Memorial Day is more about honoring the deceased veterans than those who are still among us. Perhaps if someone were willing to take such a program on for next year (the Garden Club perhaps), we could include a period during the ceremony where children, who had brought their own flowers could deposit them by the veteran's memorial at Town Hall.
This would need to be cleared with the Township Committee and the Department of Public Works. If someone wants to try putting this together for next year, let me know. |
bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 721
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 7:10 pm: |
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I think it might help to have the young people up front assembled just below the steps. Perhaps 8 year olds and up. Have a lyric sheet available so they can sing along with one of the songs. Perhaps a parade organizer could gather a representative of youth education leaders from a synagogue, a couple of churches and the ethical culture society and they could give input into what might work as a short talk to engage the kids in the ceremony. I'm not affiliated with any group like this but they would seem to be experienced in conveying complex notions of commemoration and sacrifice to kids on a regular basis. Maybe select a song that most of the kids know or that at least all the brownie, girl scout and other kid organizations could prepare in advance to feel truly part of the ceremony. Again, this could be completely inappropriate but I don't think this day should speak just to a small group..it should be embraced by and for all in the community. |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1908
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 7:55 pm: |
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I asked my first grader if she understood what Memorial Day was all about on the walk down to the parade - she understood 100% - apparently it was covered at school.
The awkward part for me was explaining that I support the warriors but not the war, sort of like my own mother did 30 years ago when I wanted to put an American flag sticker on our car during the Viet Nam war.
We support the troops, but we disagree with the action - still looking for that flag that says I'm patriotic but I think this war is anything but patriotic.
I was talking to a neighbor of mine who noticed that very few houses were flying the red, white, and blue this year/
I think it's not about a lack of patriotism and more about who has co-opted the real message of the American flag.
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Project 37
Citizen
Username: Project37
Post Number: 102
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 10:37 pm: |
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It was our first parade in Maplewood and we really enjoyed taking in the wonderful spirit of community. We managed to catch the parade, ceremony, and duck race, and enjoyed them all. Congratulations to the organizers!
One small suggestion, which may in fact be out of your hands - make sure the Glee Club and the Band are using the same musical arrangements during the ceremony. It was more than a little uncomfortable to hear the singers finishing the song while the band kept going (or at one point, changed keys)! Still, credit to the conductor for doing his best to keep them together. |
jamie
Citizen
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 529
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 11:03 pm: |
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Great day - here are some pics: http://www.maplewoodonline.com/memorial2006/ |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14521
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 11:07 pm: |
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Lydia, I feel as you do, but I think Memorial Day is a bad time to try to convey that message. Trying may detract from honoring those who sacrificed, whether or not we should have asked them to sacrifice.
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Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2524
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 11:47 pm: |
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jamie, thanks SO MUCH for posting those pictures. They were wonderful! I particularly enjoyed them since this was the first year in many years that I had to miss the parade, ceremonies and the duck race (out-of-town family event). I felt I missed it a little less because of your wonderful capturing of this day. Thanks to Joan and to all the other volunteers (marchers, organizer and watchers) who made it another special Memorial Day. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 5155
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 12:17 am: |
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Hi Joan,
Thank you for another great job again this year... FWIW, I also agree with you and Bookgal about the service reaching out more to a multigenerational audience. I'm not sure how you do that, but the clowns, candy, and Duck Races are all an important part of it.
I believe for one, we need to do something extra to keep the parents AND all the participants in the parade at the ceremony in front of Town Hall. Letting all the participants know what is expected of them might help, also bringing the H.S. Band and the Glee Club together would go along way to improving the musical portion of the event. I really don’t see any reason for all those people hanging out around the flag pole, especially if the band wasn’t there. I would actually rope off that area so people couldn’t be there.
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Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2813
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 6:26 am: |
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I agree with Tom. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 3887
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 6:58 am: |
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Joan a hometown parade with pride take a bow. Jamie thanks for the pictures you really captured the heartbeat of Village that honors their veterans. Maplewood you have alot to be proud of in your town just look at the pictures and the faces of all who participated. Thank you! |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1909
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 7:19 am: |
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Tom and Cynical -
I was explaining how I explained Memorial day to my child - I didn't get into all of that with my child, but I took pains to explain that Memorial Day celebrates people who fought and died in the military for our country, and doesn't glorify war - not by a long shot.
The same way if there was a day for honoring fallen firefighters, I'd explain the day was about the firefighters who died, not glorifying fires.
That seems simple, the firefighters/fires analogy, but I think my child was mixing up war with the whole day, and thought war was part of what we are honoring.
Anyhow, sorry to sidetrack - back to the topic.
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Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11653
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 7:43 am: |
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Joan, I wasn't there, but everything I heard is that everything went very well. Congratulations on a job well done.
Personally, I don't think it is a good idea to try to involve younger children in the Memorial service. I know our kids (cub scouts and brownies ages) used to attend and took it very seriously. Obviously the rubber duck race should be put off to well after the rememberance at Town Hall.
On a lighter note, where did you get the jeep and I didn't know the Maplewood Police still had motorcycles.
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Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2815
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 9:15 am: |
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No sweat. I do think that (1) it can be a bit of conundrum, and (2) often isn't addressed very well in school, either. Simpler when I was a kid and WW I and II the US soldier was viewed as unequivocably good, doing good things for the right cause. Korea, a little sketchy. Viet Nam, a toughie, and more so depending upon the year.
I do miss the Memorial/"Decoration" Days of my childhood visiting older relatives and cousins, putting flowers on relatives/friends graves to honor them and then hearing stories about them. All this followed by barbecues and celebratory activity with those who had done service (or supported them at home) being the guests of honor. Now, the first part is often missing. I doubt it will come back any time soon given the most recent wars. I think when the WWII cohort is gone, Memorial Day will go the way of "Labor" Day and all the rest of our holidays. |
Wilkanoid
Citizen
Username: Cseleosida
Post Number: 587
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 10:12 am: |
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I understand the time required to organize such a big parade, but maybe it would help to start the parade on time. The first participants were at the parking lot well before 8:15am, and the parade began at 9:15am. I think people have gotten used to assembling on the later side of the specified time because there seems to be no reason to arrive early. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7530
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 4:53 pm: |
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A few responses to the above:
The parade started at 9:10AM according to my watch. The problem was that it took the parade starter a few minutes to locate the police sergeant whose vehicle was parked about half way up the hill and get her to tell the motor cycle officers to begin the parade. This is something we will work on for next year.
Having people arrive at the Lot at 8:15 and lining everyone up at 8:30 worked very well. Last year the parade didn't start until nearly 9:30 because of the time required to sort everyone out.
The jeep belongs to Henry Hamil who was nice enough to volunteer to drive it in the parade. This is the second year Henry has participated and I hope he and his jeep will be back again next year. I know Henry reads MOL. Thank you again Henry for being ssuch an important part of the parade!
I have mixed feelings about striving to make the memorial service more friendly to our children. It would probably be better if parents were to explain the meaning of memorial day to their children before the parade and explain that the memorial ceremony is the most important of the town festivities on Memorial Day.
What I would like to do is announce to the public as the parade reaches Town Hall and once or twice after that that people should remain at Town Hall after the parade for the Memorial Ceremony which will follow. This would help those who don't know there is a memorial service to have a chance to attend.
We can also give more emphasis to the ceremony at next year's parade.
Jamie: Thanks so much for the great pictures! |
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