Memorial Day Memories
By Bill Shepard
Memorial Day – Remembering out fallen heroes of all our wars. It might be correct to say that the practice of placing flowers on the graves of those killed in time of war began with the time of the Civil War. There is much to be said about the changes that have occurred through the years about Memorial Day celebrations, but this is about Memorial Day activities when I was a small boy and attending St. John’s Elementary School in the town of Darlington, S.C.
Bill Shepard
The year could have been any one of the late 20’s or early 30’s of the past century. The scene is happening on the campus of the elementary school. Hundreds of children are standing in line formation, each holding a bouquet of flowers in his or her hands. Not a sound is heard, except when the teacher at the head of the line speaks. The children, dressed in their best school clothing and holding their bouquets of flowers made a picture worth remembering. The flowers had been gathered the day before from along roadsides, ditch banks, or wherever they could be found. This writer was among that number, dressed in his best overalls and shirt that matched. His bouquet of Scotland Bluebells had been gathered from along the edges of the mill village cemetery near his home. He felt as proud as a soldier on the parade grounds. We were awaiting directions from the one in charge to give the order to move in the direction of the town square. J.C. Daniel, the loved and respected superintendent of the Darlington County Schools would give the command at the proper time. What a picture that must have been, what a memory! I wish I could print it out of my mind for all to see! Unbelievable discipline, few if any school would dare such a feat today.
Like little soldiers and feeling just as proud, the line would begin to move in the direction of the town square where the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” stood on the courthouse lawn. The only sound to be heard was that of little feet pounding the paved streets. No pushing and shoving, not a word was spoken, as hundreds of little children made their way to the designated spot where the tomb stood. It would take several minutes to complete the march through the busiest section of the town. At the tomb, each child would place their flowers on the tomb and then return to their line, where their teacher would be waiting. The return to school would follow the same orderly routine. Back at school, the children would be commended for a performance well done. As a reward, Mr. Daniels would allow school to be dismissed early.
The flowers that covered the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” from top to bottom would remain for several days. It was indeed a beautiful thing to behold, and the memory is just as beautiful.
How long this practice was continued at the school, I do not know. My sister, years younger than me, recalls taking part in the event, and so do others who I spoke with. Perhaps there is someone reading this who could help? We would like to hear from you.
Mr. Shepard is a native of Darlington, S.C., and a current resident of Piedmont, S.C. He is the author of “Mill Town Boy” and “Bruised”. He has been sharing his tales of growing up in Darlington for decades, and we are delighted to share them each week. His mailing address for cards and letters is: Bill Shepard 324 Sunny Lane, Piedmont, S.C., 29673