Lots of things happen in Allen. Last weekend was Memorial Day. A time to remember. Probably, most of the churches had some sort of time Sunday morning to honor their veterans. Well, mine didn’t, but most of the time we do. The cemetery in Allen was festooned with many flags along its fences with one at the main gate at half mast. I have no idea how many people from Allen have answered the call to defend our nation, but I think we may have exceeded the national average. Perhaps this is the reason the Allen War Memorial receives so many visitors from highway 48--this weekend was no exception. The well-tended little memorial Park served its purpose over the weekend. Another thing we can be proud of here.

Just across highway 48 the community gathered in another well-attended annual event near the main gate. There the community took time to remember our war heroes and loved ones who went before us. Pastor Buddy Drake was the keynote speaker and City Manager Doug Stinson was the Master of Ceremonies. The National Anthem was played, a prayer offered and our own Buddy Drake gave a real good talk which was well received. It’s good to be reminded what this date is about and we need to remember those we loved so much and gave so much for our freedom. Thanks Buddy. And thanks to Doug for getting this event organized every year.

When the service ended the Allen Masonic Lodge extended an invitation to everyone to walk over to their place and enjoy hamburgers and hotdogs with them. And it was free. I’m pretty sure everyone there must have gone over. And yes, the burgers and other meal items there were delicious. They even had good desserts. And just let me say thank you once more. We appreciate our Masons. They do so much for our town.

Pat and I were going to go run around and see who we needed to visit but it was so tempting to just sit on the front porch that we did just that. A carload of people (not the first) idled by, then turned into our rear driveway and stopped. It was our old friend Eva Crabtree. This 96 year old was being hauled around by her grandson, Eddie (Bell) Crabtree and his wife Cindy. They live up in Blanchard now although Eva still owns a house on Commerce Street just across the old town branch.

We were very glad to see Eva. She is still doing good and looked as pretty as a picture. They got out and stayed a little while and in a few minutes my neighbors Jearl and Linda Knighten and daughter Tammy Lawler whizzed in on their golf cart. Lot of pictures were made, stories told and more than a few hugs performed. Stories were retold about some old times which were really some good times. Like the time Eddie was invited to play the “offertory” at the Baptist Church one Sunday night. The choir was fi lled with old ladies, one of which had fallen sound asleep. If you have every heard Eddie play, you know he plays louder than loud. And when his fingers hit the keyboard, the aforementioned sleeper liked to have jumped out of her skin. Lots of memories and a pleasant Sunday afternoon to enjoy them under the shade of old trees. Hope your weekend was pleasant too. And be sure to go to church Sunday.

Wayne Bullard, DPh

waynebullard@sbglobal.net