Once again

Memorial Day weekend was once very special for this community, not only for remembering those that gave their lives for the freedom of this country, but also remembering those family and friends that we held so dearly in our hearts. We visited them at the cemetery with fond memories and decorated their graves.

During Memorial Day weekend was the Alumni reunion, when former RHS and LRHS alums came back to celebrate with their classmates and teammates just how special it was to be a Bronco.

Last year I was anxiously anticipating my 50th year out of high school and becoming a Golden ‘R’ member, but C-19 put a stop to that. This year I was also excited to celebrate with not only my class but also with the class of 1971, many of whom were friends and teammates. We had a lot to look back upon, but again the powers that be said if we were to have a function like that, it would be limited in attendance. I don’t think that was a good option.

Two years in a row when the alumni banquet was postponed hadn’t happened in over 100 years since World War I. So we will have to wait another year and cross our fingers that we can meet at Gilson gym, laugh and ask, “Do you remember that time when…?” If all goes according to plan, we should honor the classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 next Memorial Day weekend and have a celebration that will make this community proud. It’s a good thing I had friends in all three classes, because it will be a lot of fun.

On Memorial Day 2022 we should also be able to congregate at the Fire Station, wait in line visiting with friends and neighbors and eat pancakes and sausage prepared by the local volunteer firemen. The little kids will get to once again ride the fire truck and wave to their parents, grandparents and siblings as they travel around Ritzville with the siren blaring. You can also expect a few politicians to show up, at least those that are running for a chance to get elected or reelected in November 2022. That’s no problem. The firemen will have plenty of food for them as well.

Last Sunday it was great to see some of the Indianapolis 500. Not because I am such a race fan, but because it was great to see such a large crowd able to attend and enjoy watching this race. I heard the announcers say this is the largest crowd to assemble at one place in the world since C-19 reared its ugly head. We need to keep doing this, and increasing attendance at all venues — and soon.

Graduation is coming up this weekend, but it will be a closed ceremony. In the last few years I’ve missed several graduations, but I’ve made the reception rounds which gives me the opportunity to congratulate the newly-graduated seniors. This is another good group of young adults that will have high hopes and ambitions, and will make us proud.

Finally the Broncos are in the midst of the winter sports season, which seems weird to say. The teams are having good success, but there will be no state tournament for these athletes. They are playing these sports for the love of the game. I just wish more people had the chance to witness their hard work.

The middle school boys’ basketball team will start their abbreviated season today. This is a great group of young athletes that will have great success in a couple of years. They are a joy to coach.

So once again we are not able to do everything that we have enjoyed in the past, but we can certainly see that things are getting back to near-normal. Stay safe out there and take care of each other.