This time of year young men and women embark on new adventures as graduating classes all over take part in commencement exercises. In our small neck of the world, the senior class at Hamburg High School’s 2007 graduating class will always be remembered as one that was unfortunately marked by tragedy.
The day before the students were to graduate, two of the seniors were driving home from commencement rehearsal and crashed into a bridge abutment. One of the students was killed instantly in the crash the other was treated at the hospital. An empty chair with a cap and gown draped over it represented the victim, another one represented a boy who passed away during the classes freshman year.
When it came time to award diplomas, cheers went out as the names were read including those of the two missing students. A time of joy and excitement for the future mixed with sorrow.
Good luck to all the graduates and enjoy the photos
For many generations Memorial Day has been a day of fun and remembrance at the annual picnic at Belleman’s Church in Mohrsville, PA. The church members take great pride in seeing that the graves of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflicts, as far back as the revolution, are cared for.
Flags are placed for each of those conflicts or wars, and flowers are placed on the graves of those members killed in action. A flag is also placed for the September 11 victims.
One thing to note about the event is the fact that they almost never cancel it. I have been going with family members for twenty years and I can’t remember a Memorial Day when there wasn’t a service, despite the weather.
Enjoy the photos
The day was beautiful and Ellis Island was even better the second time. We had to complete a scavenger hunt which took us throughout the building. Despite complaints from the boys, they learned something about immigration and so did I.
Ellis Island is the main point of the immigration subject but the highpoint is certainly visiting the Statue of Liberty. You have to make reservations to go into the museum now, two days in advance, and they only take groups of 15 in at once.
Enjoy the photos