My parents always called November 11, 1918, “Armistice Day.” Later, it was changed to Veterans’ Day” but to Mom and Dad, it was “Armistice Day.” My mother told me how excited they all were at Etta Bend when they found out the Great War was over. They shouted. They cried. They laughed. Finally, the soldiers could come home from those far away places. Finally, life could return to normal again; however, in many ways, I don’t believe life ever returned to the way it had been before the War.
Today, however, I personally want to say Thank You to our veterans of all the wars. You are the brave ones, the wall of determination and right, who stood and do stand between us and the take-over of tyranny.
This morning, my neighbor’s solar lights look mighty welcome in the darkness. And, I see the neighbor behind me has added a light to his back garage which he leaves burning all night. I’m glad. When darkness settles down over the town, I like to look out at these beacons. I like to think of them as marking a place where families dwell, sharing laughter and love. Maybe this isn’t always the case but if it isn’t, I don’t want to know.
As I was looking through The Heritage of Etta Bend this morning, I realized that I had let Halloween go by without telling you how my mother’s Latty family celebrated on their farm at Etta Bend, nearly a hundred years ago. So, now, I quote from the story Mom, Susie Latty Day, told me. The words are hers:
Halloween was always a good reason for a get-together. This was time for a “tacky party”. Everyone’s dress was as tacky and slouchy as possible. Adults participated too. Each person tried to disguise himself. It was fun when the masquerade was complete enough to keep everyone guessing. One particular Halloween, the party was at a neighbor’s house instead of ours. The weather was warm enough to play games outside. The party was half over when two tall women with bonnets pulled low over their faces stepped out of the shadows. They refused to take part in the games but stood silently watching. No one could guess the identity of the unfamiliar ladies. It was only after the party was over that they came out of their disguises. Everyone was astonished to see that the newcomers were actually men–Uncle Oscar Stewart and one of his friends!
So today, my friends, I wish for you the peace of lamplight, the blessings of gratitude, and the joy of simple fun.
The Heritage of Etta Bend
by
Blanche Day Manos
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