Memorial Day

My ward go to participate in the Essex Memorial Day parade. It was really, really fun! 

As you can see, we focused on FamilySearch.org--which was absolutely perfect for Memorial Day.  Everyone dressed up as an ancestor.  Even though my label didn't turn up, I was dressed as Darlene Barrow, 1929 to 1990, my grandma.  I'm wearing her square dance dress, and I even got to do some twirling in it (still, 20odd years later, my favorite part of it). 

It really was a lot of fun.  Being with ward members, interacting with the spectators (saw several people I know, plus a town full of friends I just haven't met yet), just enjoying a day of  absolutely perfect weather for a good reason.  

Also, I LOVE FamilySearch.org.  It really is amazing, so that was great, too. 

As I was thinking about it last night, wondering if I even wanted to do it (for reasons that we'll skip here), I thought about my Grandpa (Whitney Roswell Checketts, 1929-2001).  I have come to know and love Grandpa Whitney through a multi-year project of transcribing his mission journals and then visiting his mission.  He used every possible means to share the gospel.  I decided to honor him by going out and sharing a part of the gospel in this float.  So, while I dressed up as Grandma, I am honoring Grandpa.  I love them both and I'm grateful for all they did and taught that was passed down to me.  Like them, I love the gospel of Jesus Christ!

My dear friend, Sister Wood, dressed as her father (with "a piece" for her husband, who passed away 11 months ago--his hat).

Real veterans (Marine and nurse), plus other loved ward members.

My favorite young man in our ward, dressed as his great (I believe) grandfather.

Can you see the float?  It really was amazing.
 There's an actual tree on there--in the photo it blends in with the ones behind, but it was great in real life.
Who's in your Family Tree?
With the Schauffners on a swing underneath.