Norvel Wants All to Remember Vietnam

Vietnam veteran Paul Norvel set up a display on Friday, May 25, at the Pascagoula Library in honor of Memorial Day, which he does every year.

2. Table for Missing in Action/Prisoners of War in Vietnam and other American wars.

Giving Away Buddy Poppies

PASCAGOULA -- Today, outside of Wayne Lee's there was a group of young girls and their sponsor giving away Buddy Poppies.

Although the woman who was passing out the souvenirs did not ask for a donation, residents dropped in a dollar for the effort and the memorial it represents to veterans across South Mississippi and the country.

It hit me that $1 bills were about all there were in the donation box. They seemed inadequate. It just didn't seem enough for these times. You can hardly buy a brand-name soda with a dollar, especially if you add tax. And our soldiers certainly deserve all the help they can get for their service and lives.

Anyway, the woman and children gladly shoved the souvenirs into people's hands, as if having the poppies was better than any money that could be gained from their endeavor. Their sign said something about remembering vets.

This is the weekend for remembering. Officially, Memorial Day will be May 31, always the last Monday in May. Numerous programs and services will be held today and the next three days, which makes for a four-day weekend.

Enjoy.

Say hi to a soldier -- former, present, future.