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Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. 

1. Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. War memorials, as well as graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers this weekend in a show appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?

I live in retiree housing on an Army post, so there are war memorials all over post. Schofield Barracks is the home of the 25th Infantry Division, a highly decorated division.

2) Here at Saturday 9, we regard everyone who served — veterans and active military — as heroes. Have you, or has anyone in your family, worn the uniform of our armed forces? We want to hear about them.

Both my husband and I were soldiers in the US Army. I served almost 14 years, and he served just over 20. I spent most of my career as a linguist in military intelligence, and he spent most of his as a UAV operator. He’s retired now, working as a contractor for PACOM, still using his UAV knowledge.

3) Similarly, we’re grateful to those who served on the front lines during the Covid 19 pandemic. Tell us about anyone you know who was an essential worker, a first responder or administered vaccines. They deserve a shout out, too!

My brother and sister-in-law are both RNs who have spent the pandemic working in COVID units. They are two of my biggest heroes. They’ve been through a lot, and stayed strong for each other, their patients, and their little girls.

4) Memorial Day is the traditional kick off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet?

I live in Hawai’i, so winter clothes are not a thing!

5) What’s your favorite picnic food?

Turkey sausages! I love them!

6) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room?

One of each!

7) This week’s song is about a heartbreaking situation. The lyrics are a letter from a soldier to his family, which was only to be sent in the event of his death. What’s the saddest song you have ever heard?

Taps. Military memorial services and funerals are so incredibly heartbreaking. The finality of Taps, I’ve heard it too many times. Equally sad is the last roll call. Three soldiers are designated to be a part of this roll call. The First Sergeant (usually) stands at the rear of the chapel and calls the first soldier by rank and last name, then the second and third. And then the name of the fallen soldier. Three seconds go by. Then the fallen soldier is called again, adding the first names. Three seconds go by. Then the final call, with the fallen soldier’s full name. The silence is wrenching.

8) This week’s featured artist, Tim McGraw, has a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s near those honoring William Shatner and Julie Andrews. If you could have lunch with one of those luminaries — Tim McGraw, William Shatner or Julie Andrews — which would you choose?

Julie Andrews. Sound of Music… I’ve been obsessed forever, although they say Maria, whom Julie Andrews played, was a bit of a raging bitch. Interesting note, the von Trapps own a lodge in Stowe, Vermont, the Trapp Family Lodge. My brother was… conceived there during a family trip, during which I spotted Maria. Another note, one of her grandchildren worked for me when I worked at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.

9) Random Question: Think of the last thing you bought. Was it a wise purchase?

I bought a book, and a book is always a wise purchase!

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