12 Veterans Day By Ethan Nahté
Pulse
November 8, 2023
Memoir recalls WWII and more
Mena resident Linda Gandy has published a memoir that primarily takes a look at events and anecdotes from her own life in a chronological order, more or less. “I Will Lift up Mine Eyes – Psalm 121:1” (Page Publishing) reveals some of those earliest memories was during her childhood, such as remembering principal Louise Durham at her fifth birthday party, but not long after stepping into her classroom to watch the children as Gandy’s teacher stepped out into the hallway to tell her boyfriend goodbye as he was shipping out for World War II. Then her father enlisted and shipped out, as well. Another story tells of her father inviting them to New Orleans as the merchant marine ship he was stationed was docked for repairs. Daily, she and her mother would tell her fa-
THE POLK COUNTY
ther goodbye because he never knew when they’d embark, and for security reasons, would not be allowed to notify their families. Fortune was on their side as she recalls President Harry S. Truman coming over the P.A. system at the hotel where she was staying, announcing the war was over. There is even a story of a friend’s antique rocking chair that travels through time, back through the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. There are plenty of other recollections leading up to 2021: Some funny, some dramatic, some sad. There are also a pair of historical fiction pieces that begin the book, and another harrowing tale of her great-grandparents and their kids running from an oncoming tornado and being trapped between two creeks overflowing their banks and becoming a life-threatening situation. Despite the book’s title, this is not a
November veterans events
Friday, Nov. 10
• Veterans Breakfast 7-9:30 a.m. Papa’s Mexican Cafe Free for veterans and their families. Bring your classic car for a chance at cash prizes of $100, $75 or $50, courtesy of Papa’s Mexican Cafe. Mena: Bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits, gravy, hashbrowns, toast, fruit, yogurt, milk, juice and coffee. For more info contact the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce at 479394-2912.
Saturday, Nov. 11
religious text, per se, although there are several mentions of faith and religion, not to mention Gandy’s work as a church organist and her family’s participation in church events. Many may think a memoir is meant for the author’s family and closest friends, but Gandy’s book has subjects that many can relate to. It also might take several people back through time, as if listening to stories from one’s on grandparents. There are also references to people and places that serve as a historical reminder, such as Mena City Hall once being the post office, or where the First Baptist Church is located across from Janssen Park was once the property where Central School was located. The book has a few minor typos, but overall, it is put together well and makes for an interesting afternoon read. “I Will Lift up Mine Eyes-Psalm 121:1,” with its cover featuring our own view of the mountains, is available from such as retailers as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million or Amazon in print or eBook formats.
• Veterans Day Parade 10 a.m. Mena Street Honoring all military branches. Line-up at 9 a.m. at The Crossing parking lor. Call 479-234-0738 for more information or to enter the parade. • Veterans Day Memorial Service 11:11 a.m. The Mena Elks Lodge 124 Elk Drive, Mena Lunch to be served following the memorial. All veterans and their families are welcome to attend. • Chili Supper 5-7 p.m. Dallas Masonic Lodge No. 128, 701 Port Arthur, Mena (across from Janssen Park) In honor of retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Robert Lancaster. It’s all you can eat with five different recipes to choose from, along with all the fixings and beverages. Veterans eat for free, and others can donate any amount. Monies raised go toward scholarships.
Thursday, Nov. 23
• Thanksgiving Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mena Senior Center, 401 Autumn Lane, Mena Veterans, don’t eat alone on Thanksgiving, Join us for a free Thanksgiving lunch. Open to all veterans and their immediate family. Sponsored by VFW.
