The letters were fragile and yellowed, showing their age. It was sometimes difficult to read the writing, as the cursive style was more drawn than written, as was the style in those days. But those letters, carefully preserved by my father Gerry Bagley, told part of the story of life during the Civil War for a Union soldier. Another document was the discharge papers for my father’s great-grandfather, who was wounded at Appomattox Court House. That document stated that he was honorably discharged at the age of 15, after two years of service. Impossible to imagine, perhaps, but it was a war fought on both sides by all ages of children, men, and even some women disguised as men. Each war fought since has started with the hope that it is the last war to occur, and will end with everlasting peace.
So let us remember on this Memorial Day all those who served or are serving in the armed services to let our flag continue to wave freely. Thank you to all who have made it possible. And when you see a veteran, take a few seconds out of your life to say thank you for their devotion.
Kerry and Pat Alley had a memorable time last weekend while celebrating the graduation of their daughter Alley Furlong from Endicott College. Alley, the daughter of John Furlong and Sarah and Jack Lavolette, graduated magna cum laude on Saturday last, and has signed up for Teach for America for the next two years. She will be working at a special-ed charter school in Salem.
The weekend included an afterparty in Manchester-by-the-Sea, where Alley’s family and friends were joined by Bill Anderson Jr. and his son Bill as they completed a bike-ride fundraiser in Topsfield.
Chris Alley and Kate Feiffer drove to Logan Airport to pick up their daughter, Maddy Alley, who had just completed her first year at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. From there they drove to Quebec; Maddy and her dad will bicycle home to Oak Bluffs.
A reminder that you can welcome in the summer season by attending the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society’s Memorial Day concert. Jonathan Davis on oboe, Patricia Cloud, flute, and Delores Stevens, piano, make for a wonderful afternoon concert on Sunday, May 28, at 4 pm at the Whaling Church in Edgartown.
And don’t forget another special Memorial Day event: The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club’s annual plant sale at the Old Mill, across from Mill Pond in West Tisbury.
Don’t forget schools are closed Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day, and to really show your patriotism and support, attend the parade in Vineyard Haven on that day and see the amazing Avenue of Flags, made possible by our local American Legion members and many volunteers.
We send birthday smiles to James Trip and Connie De Felice on May 26, Cheryl King on the 28th,
Genevieve Hart Abbott on the 29th, Charlene Barbosa and Vicki Simione on the 31st, and Jaime Reilly and Erika Cournoyer on June 1.
Enjoy your week. Peace, and wave our flag proudly.