Christmas Wreaths
Lewisville resident, Fred O’Brien, sets up a Christmas wreath at the Veterans Memorial at Shallowford Square in Lewisville.
Encounter
One day last week while driving by Shallowford Square, I spotted two Christmas wreaths that had been placed in the Veterans Memorial section of the Square. I made a mental note to come back later and photograph them for the blog.
When I finally made it back there this past Saturday morning, the timing was such that I met Korean War veteran and Lewisville resident, Fred O’Brien. Because both of the Christmas wreaths had been sitting on the ground — each propped up against a separate memorial — Fred had been compelled to make them more presentable, and he had brought the materials needed to complete the task.
In the above photo, Fred is shown securing one of the Christmas wreaths on a stand to be placed in front of the memorial that contains the “Battle Cross” statue, which is surrounded by commemorative bricks individually inscribed with the names and military service information of scores of veterans. (A previous post, titled Remembering, discusses this particular memorial and also includes a photo gallery showing close-ups of the statue and the bricks.)
While Fred was putting the finishing touches on the first wreath, we were joined by Doug Dampier (who is highlighted in the post titled, Now and Then). Doug and Fred talked a little about their military connections: Fred had served in the Marine Corps in Korea. Doug’s father, Ralph Dampier, had served in the Navy during World War II, and had passed away in March of this year.
As their conversation continued, Doug lent Fred a hand with the placement of the second wreath, which had been propped up against the POW-MIA flag memorial. Since I’ve not addressed this particular memorial before in the blog, I’ll share what’s written on its plaque:
On Behalf of a Grateful Nation and a Proud American Legion: This POW-MIA flag flies to honor those veterans who, in service to this great nation, sacrificed their freedom and their physical and mental well-being as prisoners of war. It also recognizes those who are still missing in action or remain imprisoned. The light at the base of this plaque will burn until all POW-MIAa are accounted for or return home. — Town of Lewisville | Lewisville American Legion Post 522
Thoughts
It strikes me now that placing Christmas wreaths at memorials is no less appropriate than placing them on the doors of our homes. After all, at Christmastime we especially tend to think of loved ones who have passed away, or loved ones who — for whatever reason — will not be with us for the holidays.
Likewise, our veterans and those who are currently serving in our nation’s military are also among those whom we think of with love and gratitude at Christmas. Placing the Christmas wreaths at the Veterans Memorial in Shallowford Square is just one more way to say, “We love you.” and “Thank you.”
Take a look at additional photos from this encounter at the Veterans Memorial in the Fred O’Brien photo gallery.
Commemorative Veterans Bricks
If you or someone you know, would be interested in purchasing a commemorative veterans brick to be placed in honor of or in memory of a veteran, you may contact Fred O’Brien at 945-9510.
The Other Christmas Story
Remember young Ralphie Parker in the movie, A Christmas Story? All he wanted for Christmas was a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. The problem was that none of the adults in his life wanted him to have one — not even Santa.
Despite all odds, did Ralphie get his wish? If you’d like to see for yourself, just set aside an evening to drive by the home of John and Barbara Huffman at 1010 Conrad Road in Lewisville and take a look at their lit-up front yard.
With the help of their grandsons, Andrew and Ivan, the Huffmans have set up a very creative multi-scene display of some of the more memorable moments of A Christmas Story. This is the Huffmans’ third year at this, and they’re already thinking of three or four additional scenes they may introduce next Christmas. Wow — it’ll only get better!
If you’d like to see some photos of the Huffmans’ depictions of Ralphie and key moments of A Christmas Story — including more of the famous lamp shown above — just click to visit the Huffman Decorations photo gallery.
Interested in more Conrad Road coverage? CLICK to enjoy more ARTICLES and PHOTOS on Conrad Road.
Two Symbols
Year-round, the US flag hangs in this old barn. And for as long as I can remember, the crèche has been placed there, too, each Christmas.
One symbol peacefully coexisting with another. May it always be so.
Lewisville’s Christmas Parade
A Christmas wreath and stockings hang on one of the old John Deere tractors that was in Lewisville’s Christmas parade held yesterday.
Did you make it to the big Christmas parade in Lewisville? I hope so, because this year’s parade seemed bigger and better than ever!
My apologies for being so late getting today’s post up. But I think the wait was well worth it, as I’ve prepared a load of photos for you! They’ve been carefully whittled down from the gazillions that I took throughout the parade.
If you weren’t able to attend the parade, I think viewing the photos will give you a sense of what it was like. And for those of you who did attend, you’ll get to relive some of the parade moments; plus, depending on where you were located along the route, you’ll probably also see some interesting scenes that you missed.
Just head on over to the Lewisville Christmas Parade photo gallery and enjoy scenes of this year’s parade. It’ll probably take you 10–15 minutes to get through all the photos, as there are 322 distinct photos in the gallery.
And if you would, please take a moment to leave a brief comment about the parade or the photos. I’d love to hear from you!
REMINDER! Lewisville’s Christmas Parade is held every year on the second Sunday in December at 3:00 PM.
