Congrats to Huron County!
Memorial weekend was a time when pride of country really took front and center. Flags were flying, patriotic displays were everywhere and there were large turnouts for ceremonies county-wide honoring veterans.
I attended the Port Austin event along with many area residents, including some who traveled from out of state to receive recognition of their loved ones. The ceremony was very moving and those in attendance displayed the utmost respect. A long list of veterans from throughout the county, representing all branches of service, who had passed in the last year was read. As each name was spoken, the bell was softly tolled and many tears were shed.
Patriotic songs were sung and a 21 gun salute was delivered by uniformed veteran members. There were more tears throughout the assembly as these actions occurred. Beautiful long-stemmed roses were handed out to women in the audience. Some later placed them alongside their loved ones brick in the memorial.
County-wide Memorial Day observances were well attended, and fortunately, the weather cooperated. Each town paid their respects in special ways. Our county lost another veteran the day after the holiday, Ted Streussnig. Ted was not only instrumental in forming the Thumb Area Steelheaders, he made innumerable trips to Lansing. He spent hours before MDNR committees pleading for them to pay attention to the Thumb area. When it came to fishing, Ted was among the best and worked diligently to gain the interest of young anglers. He supported many youth fishing events and shared his expert knowledge with those attending.
Good weather may have been a factor in perhaps a record-breaking crowd who gathered at the first Port Austin Farmers Market last Saturday. Parking spots in town were few and far between and as one car left, another was pulling in. Harbor Beach also launched their market last week on Thursday, and Pigeon’s market opened on Friday.
The Thumb farmers markets offer to visitors and locals alike fresh veggies, baked goods; pies, cakes, bread, and unlimited hand crafted merchandise. Flowers of all varieties were available at the opening markets — hanging pots, flats with multiple choices, and herbs to add a fragrant touch. Marketgoers were seen pulling wagons loaded with plants while some had them in special carts designed to fold up and place in their cars.
Cottage owners rushed up north to clean their yards and survey the results winter had on their property. Lawn mowers roared in every neighborhood and rakes were busy as well. Marinas saw some activity with anglers arriving and launching boats equipped for fishing, and others just enjoying being on the water. Last week’s bass fishing season opener brought many fishermen and women to the area. They sought out any opening to the lake along the shoreline where they could cast a line. Eagle Bay, east of Port Austin, is always a hot spot and it was packed with cars. People were seen pulling on waders and heading offshore. The water is still very cold, so our beaches did not have many visitors, just kids wading and others soaking up some sunshine. Campgrounds did a brisk business, however, and campfires glowed into the evenings.
As I often remark, it’s nice to see the cleanup going on, lawns trimmed, shrubs and bushes shaped and flowers popping up everywhere. The heavy burst of rain that arrived late Memorial Day (it had been promised for the whole weekend) gave all the foliage and flowers a good drink.
As I see it, it was great holiday weekend to begin the summer and a wonderful opportunity to honor our veterans and visit with families.