Remembering and Celebrating Memorial Day in Salix, Iowa

Memorial Day for my family has a pretty consistent tradition that involves waking up early, herding kiddos into the vehicle, and cruising down the interstate before most people have even turned on their coffeepots. We are not headed to our grandma’s house, even though I wish visiting my grandparents at their home was still an option for me. My grandma left us 13 years ago, and since then, my grandfather has also passed. However, no matter who lives in their old red and white house with the big garage, I still think of them as being just down the alley from my childhood home.

Comfortable nostalgia is one of the most wonderful things about Memorial Day and my household’s southbound trek. It is a morning to reminisce and remember because even though my grandparents are dead, we are still visiting them and many others in our own special way. Almost every Memorial Day morning, my family finds themselves at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Salix, Iowa where many of my maternal relatives are buried and fondly remembered.

Family

In addition to paying my respects and remembering those from the past, I am also fortunate to see many extended family members on Memorial Day. Quite a few of my cousins, aunts, and uncles congregate at the cemetery for the annual outdoor church service and military tribute that takes place in Salix. Locals who knew me when I was in diapers (and also with permed bangs and braces) are also usually milling around and good for a quick chat. It is a morning that can be beautiful and calming. It also involves (to the delight of my children) a breakfast of donuts and juice.

Memorial Day is not flashy. To me, it is a quiet and serene holiday, and I love all that it represents. Even last year when I was a million months pregnant and having contractions, it was still a pretty perfect occasion. I thought about my grandparents, I thought about heroes, and I thought about freedom, hard work, and all the other things that contribute to the life I am fortunate to live every day.

Memorials

The local cemetery in my hometown was a passion project for my Grandpa Eddie. He loved history–especially local history–and worked hard to create a “town honor roll” that mentions every single person who ever served in the military from our small town. He would be so proud of my aunts, uncles, and parents who continue to keep the cemetery in their thoughts and hearts. Thanks to them and the generosity of so many others the cemetery has flourished. It now houses an outdoor altar, beautiful sidewalks, and a Memory Garden.

The Memory Garden was made possible through generous acts. Its story began in 1990 and continues to unfold today as more and more contribute to its growth. The garden was inspired by Sioux City’s Queen of Peace in Trinity Heights and is slowly becoming a destination spot for those wanting to find a quiet place for peace and reflection. All of the work that has been completed to date for the Salix cemetery and its Memory Garden is courtesy of time and benevolence from faithful volunteers.

Memorial Day is an occasion to remember those who lost their lives while serving the United States, and every year at this time, the cemetery in Salix, Iowa lines their grounds with large American flags that can be seen for miles. It is a beautiful site that will catch one’s breath and leave a lasting memory of what Memorial Day truly represents.

To learn more about the Salix Cemetery’s Memory Garden or to make a donation, please send an email to: kelly@familyfootnote.com or kennahop@siouxlan.net