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Ann Gillard
On Memorial Day, May 25th, the Columbus Welsh Singing Society experienced a wonderful, heartwarming day. Eighteen of us spent the day in Radnor, Ohio to help celebrate their annual Memorial event. We first gathered at the Radnor United Church of Christ (Congregational) for a delicious breakfast with all of the trimmings.
At 10:00 am there was a parade through the Village featuring all sorts of interesting vehicles – from decorated bikes, old farm machinery, antique cars -- a marching band and a flyover of old planes - including a biplane.
A large crowd of 300+ then gathered at the cemetery. The Gettysburg Address and preamble to the Constitution were recited by children. As the Radnor Alumni band played the military medley, veterans of each service came forward and were honored by the crowd.
Our chorus sang “The Ash Grove”, “Arglwydd Dyma Fy”, and “Cwm Rhondda”. Radnor was settled in 1803 by the Welsh and for many years was a Welsh community. We thought it was appropriate for us to sing hymns that might have been sung in that cemetery many years ago. We ended our performance with “America the Beautiful”, asking the audience to join us in one verse. At the end of the service, dozens of children picked up little bouquets of flowers that were arranged around the “Heroes” monument and place a bouquet at each grave that had a flag.
The day ended with a pig roast at the Community Center.
We wish that you all could have experienced this lovely day with us. Every one agreed that it was what Memorial Day should be.
As a child I helped make the little bouquets and placed them on the veteran’s graves. It is comforting to know that there are still some traditions that do not die.
I was so very proud of our chorus. They sang beautifully and we were proud to have the opportunity to honor both our country and our Welsh heritage.
We meet on most first and third Tuesday evenings from 7:00 until 8:30 pm at the Worthington Methodist Chruch, 600 N. High St., Worthington, Ohio; 3rd floor. See Events on page 3.
For further information about performances or rehearsals, contact Ann at (614) 855-8806 or email j-gillard[(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.
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