Please don’t say “Happy Memorial Day.” It is a weekend for reflection and thanks for our service men and women who have lost their lives in service to us. Enjoy your families, your cookouts, your parades and ceremonies. Hug everyone tighter and thank everyone from the bottom of your hearts.

After last year’s lockdown, our American Legion Post 257 on Martin Road is pleased to honor the day with a parade to the Vineyard Haven cemetery. If you want to march with veterans, our Boy and Girl Scouts, Legion Auxiliary and committed friends, be at the Legion Hall by 10:15 a.m. We step off at 10:30 sharp. As she has for years, Natalie Wood will sing the Star Spangled Banner. Wreaths will be laid for all our war heroes. Major James Hagerty of the USMC will be our speaker. Retired Vineyard Haven fire chief John Schilling will play Taps. We’ll then stroll back to the Legion Hall where boxed lunches will be distributed for outdoor or take-home eating. Our crew has prepared outdoor tables and the gazebo at the Legion Hall for our luncheon and camaraderie. I’ll see you there.

Who can make flowers out of seaweed? My Vineyard Haven artist buddy Kathy Poehler can. Kathy is among the artists exhibiting at The Art of Flowers Show at Featherstone. The show runs through May 31. Take your weekend guests.

Bye, Bella! My little doggo friend beat me to moving south for the winter. Bella has relocated to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina with his dad, Naromar DePaula of Edgartown and, now, the USMC. Bella is happily ensconced with Naromar, his new wife and baby brother Jaxson. I might have to visit.

Another Island kid makes a difference. Nick Klingensmith, son of retired police officer James, has published his first book, Through the Fire. This is an amazing true memoir about his experiences as a four-time cancer survivor, Type 1 diabetic and recovering alcoholic who became an obstacle course racer. I am anxiously awaiting my copy to arrive at Bunch of Grapes. You may also get it from Amazon but I prefer to deal with local businesses.

Speaking of my favorite four-letter word (“book”), Fred Waitzkin has a new one out, Strange Love. I read everything he writes. I hope you do, too.

Our League of Women Voters is offering a candidate forum on Wednesday, June 2 at 7 p.m.

Lovely Linda Bauer is happy to announce the silver anniversary of her daughter and son in law, Mr and Mrs. Brook of Daggett avenue, on May 26. May they all live happily ever after.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Bob Dylan on May 24, forever young. Arthur Hardy-Doubleday and Maggie May Riseborough claimed May 25. Cathy Gallagher celebrates on May 26. And on May 27, Angel Pinto takes the cake. Many happy returns.