On Saturday, Carl and I travelled to Peabody for the “State’s Largest WWII Festival,” as proclaimed in the event guide to “Operation Celebration 2010.” I grew up south of Canton, so Peabody was a small town that I frequented often as a child, accompanying my dad as we went in search of machine parts or hay baling work or consultation on some farm concern.
Carl and I walked Main Street visiting with people from across the nation who had returned for alumni celebrations. Several were celebrating their 60th high school reunion! The Peabody State Bank Park welcomed the visitors to an amazing flag display, complete with a walking tour manuscript and additional information. The Avenue of Flags at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery was a stirring tribute to veterans of the U.S. military. (Unfortunately, the cemetery display had been vandalized on Friday night, but the community made certain that the repairs were made and the veterans were appropriately honored.)
Historic downtown Peabody was also the stage for an amazing WWII reenactment entitled “The Siege on Peabody.” Men in period uniforms representing U.S. troops repelling a Nazi invasion was played out before our eyes, complete with military rifle gunfire and fallen soldiers.
Following the “Siege on Peabody Reenactment,” we hurried to the high school parking lot to prepare for the “State’s Largest Victory Parade” – complete with a WWII plane flyover, a cart full of honored veterans, the motorcycle freedom riders, vintage cars, military vehicles, bands, and, of course, politicians! Carl rode the Trizzard, passing out candy and “high-fives” and I walked the route handing out campaign literature.
A wonderful time, great stories, interesting people who understand the value of the sacrifice made by those who protect our freedoms every day.
