Somers Point Playa Bowls

played by a single bugler and concludes the ceremony. The crowd quietly disburses and many, like my wife and I, return to our loved one’s graves to pay our respects on a day that has meant so much to them and to us.

So, on Monday, Memorial Day, we will have our barbeque with the traditional hot dogs, hamburgers and maybe even some potato salad with some close friends but the real spouses who are buried in the cemetery. Over the decades, the graves have been more numerous and the attendees less so but there are nods of recognition as the crowd returns for yet another year of remembrance.

In the distance, bagpipes can be heard playing hymns of the various armed forces as they march towards us accompanied by their drummers. atlantic County Executive, Dennis Levenson has been giving a poignant opening speech for years and there is always an impressive keynote speaker conveying the weight of the debt we all owe our veterans. an honor guard is present, and a wreath is laid as the american flag is lowered to half-mast. Veterans, some of whom are helped to their feet, stand at attention and salute Old Glory, our flag which for over 250 years has flown over battlefields both on land and sea, sometimes in tatters. Taps, a haunting and distinctive melody of only 24 notes is meaning of the holiday will still be in the forefront of our minds.

Atlantic County Veteran’s Program, Friday, May 26 at 2 pm. Atlantic County Park, Rt. 50, Estell Manor.

Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson. fineartamerica.com