Holiday only one part of busy week reliving, creating memories

Perhaps it was fitting that we started this week with Memorial Day, when we remember those who gave their lives so that we could enjoy our way of life — and remind us of our duty to make our country a place worthy of their sacrifice.

There was a good crowd in attendance at services at the veterans’ memorial in McCook’s Memorial Park Cemetery, a good crowd, yes, but smaller than it should be.

Those of us who don’t know retired Air Force Col. John Rye well might not have recognized him in his civilian clothes, but the fact he wasn’t wearing his old uniform is a good reminder that all members of our armed forces started that way — as civilians who “volunteered or were voluntold” to report to the service of their country.

Memories will be at the fore next weekend, as McCook hosts the 23rd annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival, Friday through Monday.

Named to scoff the idea that the Plains should be depopulated, the event is now joins Heritage Days as bookends for McCook’s busy summers.

This years’ featured guests include cowboy poet and western storyteller R.P. Smith, writer and poet Jake Riley, the Diamond W. Wranglers band and Alan Bartels of Nebraska Life Magazine.

Paid events Friday include a History’s Mysteries Bus of the Hitchcock County Museum and Massacre Canyon in Trenton, a Music and Storytelling Dinner Cabaret at Sehnert’s Bakery and the Grand Finale Saturday night at the Fox Theatre.

But there are plenty of free events on Saturday, such as stories and music starting at 8:45 a.m. at the High Plains Museum, an open mic at the Bieroc Cafe at 12:30 p.m., kids fest and talk by Alan Bartels at the 1:30 p.m. McCook City Library, and a visit with Sen. and Ellie Norris at 3 p.m. at the Norris House.

A Sunday event will be a Heritage Cemetery Tour from 2 to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park and Riverview Cemeteries.

No visit to McCook is complete without a visit to the Heritage Hills Golf Course, however, and it will be a busy place this weekend as Community Hospital Health Foundation hosts the annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament, starting with a “horse race” Friday afternoon and continuing through the weekend.

Started in 1988 as a tribute to the late John Mullen, the name was retired with respect and at the request of his family this year.

You can be sure there will be plenty of stories told, and created, at the prestigious three-day tournament again this year.

As the spirit of honoring history and creating a spirit of community continues throughout this busy week, let’s take in as much of it as we can.