Reflections on ordinary people
Lately, I’ve taken a self-imposed respite from the dreary doings of the 2008 presidential race-and I’m glad I did. Far from the sound and fury of partisan politics, I found ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
First, I attended the Bobby Ray Memorial Elementary School’s Kindergarten 2008 Graduation service. The program began with remarks by Principal Beverly Ramsey. The Processional featured the song ‘McMinnville,’ written by my good friend, the late Bob Fults. After the Pledge to the Flag, the students put on a rousing musical show, centered on the theme ‘Tennessee, You’re Calling Me.’ As the co-writer of that song, I was enthralled by those young voices singing with such gusto.
They also sang ‘Tennessee Waltz,’ ‘Tennessee Mountain Home,’ ‘Hound Dog,’ and Rocky Top,’ The Finale featured ‘Country Sunshine,’ written by our own late, great Dottie West.
Each song was complete with narrative introductions, skits and costumes that reflected the song’s message.
What I saw that wonderful night at the Bobby Ray Memorial Elementary Kindergarten Graduation cannot be fully expressed in words. You had to be there to see, hear and feel the majesty and sweetness of it. Fortunately, the gymnasium was jam-packed with proud families and friends who gave the students enthusiastic ovations worthy of their performance.
Obviously, none of this happened without planning, preparation, rehearsal, team effort, and just plain, old-fashioned hard work. All that was on parade that night. Kudos to Principal Beverly Ramsey, Kindergarten teachers Candy Beaty, Jill Stubblefield, Linda McGregor, Jane Bryant, Ginger Moore, and Larry McIntosh for their roles in making the graduation such a success. Kudos, too, to all those teachers, parents, students, and others, who worked so hard behind the scene to help bring that magic night about.
Second, I was honored to participate in the Memorial Day Service at the Warren County Memorial Airport. Conducted jointly by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064, it was, as always, a dignified, respectful ceremony, befitting the solemn occasion. It began promptly at 7 a.m. with brief opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies Charles Norton. Steve Hillis gave the Memorial Prayer, the Joint Honor Guard posted the colors, Danny Rubley led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mary Kate Fisher sang our National Anthem.
McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport gave a heartfelt homage to those ‘who gave all,’ including Warren County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, Navy medic Bobby Ray, who gave his life to save the lives of Marines in battle in Vietnam.
After the Floral Ceremony came the Reading of the War Dead. Filling in for my good friend Ivey Hillis, who was ill, I did my best to honor our fellow Warren Countians who made the supreme sacrifice in war. The ceremony ended with the Salute to the War Dead and the playing of Taps. Then it was over, except for the memories and the gratitude.
To some, the kindergarten graduation program and the Memorial Day ceremony might seem poles apart. To me, they were quintessential examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, part of the sweet ties that bind and bond us as Americans, far beyond anything that divides us.
Retired Army Col. Thomas B. Vaughn can be reached at [email protected].