From The Editor
Elections, Celebrations and the Art of Memoir Writing
This month, as we celebrate Veterans Day, I encourage everyone to attend a local ceremony and show support to the men and women who have given so much so that we may enjoy our freedoms.
Last year, I attended the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Kanapaha Veterans Park in Gainesvile. I’m glad I did. Skydivers carrying the American Flag jumped from vintage aircraft flying high overhead, a local band performed patriotic music, the smell of hotdogs and hamburgers filled the air, and a youngster distributed poppies. I happily accepted one. It is sitting on my desk now, ready to be worn again come this November 11.
In this issue we continue with our series honoring our veterans, this month with Ann Sperring’s profile on Harriet Dalton, World War II Navy WAVE.
Alison Wilson tells us about Honor Flight, an organization new to Ocala. This program serves to honor Marion County’s World War II veterans by flying them to Washington to see their memorial. Many veterans lack the resources to make this trip on their own, so Honor Flight lends a helping hand — and wings. The program began in Ohio, made its first flight in 2005, and has since spread to 30 states.
And speaking of worthwhile organizations, this month Laura Kubitz writes about the Relative Caregiver Foundation. Laura recently visited their fall fundraiser and talked with Kim Weise, the president and director of this nonprofit organization.
Interested in writing your life story? Why not start now? My grandfather kept a journal of family summer vacations, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the days when my father was a teenager. I certainly wish he had written more, or that my grandmother had penned her memoirs. Their life experiences would go nicely with the boxes of old photographs I’ve inherited. But now, their stories are lost to the sands of time.
I’ve been encouraging my mother to write her memoirs. I always enjoy hearing her recollections of growing up on a farm in South Dakota, and her crazy stories about raising the Isaac brood (me and my siblings) in old Miami. Her life story, written in her words, will be a priceless heirloom to hand down to her great-grandchildren. (Now get to it, Mom!).
So, in this issue, Laura Wright tells us about the art of memoir writing.
Another celebration worthy of our attention is the Downtown Festival and Art Show in Gainesville. Don’t just read about it — get downtown and enjoy all the art, music and food.
As I type these words, there is no way of knowing who will become the next President of the United States. If I am to believe the news, there is a chance — because of voting machine malfunctions and legal maneuverings — that our next president will not even be named for weeks to come. I surely hope this is not the case, but only time can tell. It’s exciting, but I’m ready for it to be over.
