Greene County Genealogical Society
by Valerie Ogren
MEETING NOTICE: The next meeting will be Saturday, June 7, at 10 am in the basement of the Jefferson public library. Guest will be Theresa Liewer from Des Moines. Her talk will be “Travel to Ireland.” She has traveled there several times and also helps others find their Irish roots. If you have questions about visiting or researching in Ireland, she will have the answers. Liewer is currently president of the Iowa Genealogical Society (IGS). Guests are always welcome. If you need the elevator, please call the library at 515-386-2835 that morning to make sure it is working.
MILITARY OBSERVANCES: We just observed Memorial Day. This is a federal holiday set aside to remember those men and women who died while serving in the U. S. Armed Forces. Some comments I have seen in the news and social media lead me to believe that people are confusing this with Veterans Day which is to honor ALL military. The flags flying at all the cemeteries were beautiful – until you start thinking about the sacrifices each one represents. Soon we will observe D-Day. A visit to Wikipedia told me that “D-Day” in military talk is the day on which a combat attack or operation is initiated. The best known D-Day was June 6, 1944. A good friend who took part in the Normandy landing had an opportunity to travel back there (accompanied by his wife) 50 years later. It was a sobering trip for all, much like the Honor Flights going on now.
Then on June 14 comes Flag Day which commemorates the adoption of our United States flag. And the United States Army also celebrates the Army Birthday on that date. Congress adopted the American Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
During the upcoming Bell Tower Festival, I’m sure you will see at least one US flag go by in the parade. Please show some respect for what it stands for. This past weekend, I even saw some veterans who didn’t remove their hats. Some people placed their hand over their heart, but many more did not. If your parents didn’t bother to teach you any flag “etiquette,” then please look it up. Honor your ancestors!
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER: Summer has barely begun, but it is nice to have some warmer weather. It also seems to get busier. On the heels of a holiday weekend, we are preparing to welcome family from Sweden, then planning a class reunion. In the midst of your busyness, don’t forget to start lining up your entries for County Fair. Enjoy!
CONTACT US: Our web page is located at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~iagcgs/. Email us at gcgsiowa@hotmail.com or P O Box 133, Jefferson IA 50129-0133.
