Arlene and Herschel Smith, accompanied by the Elcho High School marching band, perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Monday’s Memorial Day service at Elcho. |
Long Elcho tradition continues May 27, 2008 A long-standing tradition continued at Elcho’s Memorial Day ceremonies Monday, when Arlene and Herschel Smith stepped to the microphone and led the crowd in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The Smiths, summer residents of the Knights Templar Club at Duck Lake, have been making beautiful music together for the better part of six decades, including a long return engagement for the May services at the Elcho and White Lake cemeteries.
“It’s been part of our life,” Arlene Smith says. ‘It blends in with everything we’ve done.”
The couple did not sing at the Summit Lake Cemetery this year. Herschel, who served in the Marine Corps in World War II, sat quietly in his chair while Arlene marched with the American Legion Auxiliary.
But when the Elcho High School marching band struck up the opening chords of the national anthem at the Elcho Cemetery, the Smiths were ready, and rose to the microphone.
“Memorial Day is always very special,” Mrs. Smith says. “When I get there, it just chokes me up thinking about the people who you can no longer talk to and what they have given for their country.”
The Smiths have sung and performed for decades, including at some impressive venues before large crowds. But patriotic occasions—and especially Memorial Day—occupy a unique niche.
“It was very special,” Mrs. Smith says. “Yesterday was special.”
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