By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com
NORMAN — What started out as a backyard cookout has evolved into a full-blown Memorial Day observance and community event in Norman.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
They pledge allegiance …
Mayor Kenneth Broadway said when he first arrived to town, he didn’t know anybody. So he fired up his grill.
“I invited a few of the neighbors,” Broadway said.
Neighbors told their neighbors. In year two, a few more people showed up and because rain clouds threatened the Memorial Day weekend get-together, the event was moved to the Norman Community Center.
Monday marked the sixth year of what is now the Memorial Day Cookout at the Norman Community Center and more than 50 people attended the event, including a dozen veterans.
Dena White, pastor of Norman Methodist Church, served as emcee of the program and led attendees through a group Pledge of Allegiance, a recognition of service men and women and a memorial candle lighting. Bob Carpenter gave benediction and the blessing of the meal, which included hot dogs, baked beans, chips, drinks and a wide variety of desserts.
Instead of hearing Taps on a recording or by a trumpet player, White instead had the group sing the words:
Day is done …
Gone the sun
From the lake …
From the hills …
From the sky.
All is well …
Safely rest
God is night
Fading light …
Dims the sight
And a star …
Gems the sky …
Gleaming bright
From afar …
Drawing nigh
Falls the night.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Pastor Dena White and Norman Mayor Kenneth Broadway during the memorial candle lighting to honor veterans in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and for those having served and currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
