Jim Sibbett provided some wonderful music and stories. Arlin was MC and Jesse, Neil, and I read the information that Garth sent to us. Four different people read the list of 54 names of those who had given their lives from his brigade. It was very touching.
Next year, somehow, we must have a sound system. Too many people were unable to hear. We will work on it.
Sunday Ells was trying to finish up with the weed eating etc. and Jesse came over and offered on his own to do whatever we needed him to do to help us get ready for the next day. We were so grateful to him. He has grown into a fine young man - only 3 years old when they bought our property and moved next door to us. Now he is ready to make his way out in the world.
Sunday night Cindy, Arlin and Garth's 3 oldest boys, Neil and Maddy spent the night down in the campground. In the morning, they all helped a lot with the various things that still needed to be done. Neil put up flags all over and made it look festive and patriotic. He always thinks of the extra things.
Yesterday turned out to be the greatest day! We had close to a hundred people here for the flag raising ceremony, music, talks, and breakfast. It was the greatest! It was especially nice because there were a number of people here from the community and several of our dancing friends.
Of course, one of the most important things to me was having my family there. This year we had Cindy, Arlin and Jesse Burbidge; we had Neil and Maddy Newell; we had Julie and six boys: Kesley, Dallin, Joey, Elijah, Ammon and Nathaniel. {Garth will be home in a very short time. We were sorry that he just missed this event.) We also had a surprise because Grant and Ronda and Krista came. It was great to have them here.
I so wish all of our children had been here.
