In the early hours of May 25, due to unrelenting rain in the morning forecast, Narberth American Legion Post Commander John Nardi canceled the annual parade and commemoration set for a 9:30 am start.
Fortunately, Deborah Watkins, PhD, Associate Pastor at Narberth Presbyterian Church, did not get the message.
Narberth Prep Legion Coach Joe Di Angelo let my husband Jim Brown know of the cancellation just before John Nardi got to us on his call list.
After chatting with John, Jim and I decided to pay a visit to drop off American Legion New Era baseball caps for him and his Board of Directors.
Walking over to the Legion Post, the rain let up a bit and we could see people and umbrellas at the War Memorial.
Inside the Legion Post, we met Jacqueline Lynch who is an executive with Gary Barbera and Barbera Autoland philanthropy. She, too, received a gorgeous “custom-designed by Jim Brown” New Era cap.
Jim and I sat down with John and his colleague Peter Raezer, and as I sat there, I glanced at the pile of Programs for the War Memorial ceremonies.
With John’s permission and encouragement, Jim and I scooped up the pile and headed up to the War Memorial to – at least – give each person a 2026 Program.
Lo and behold there was Deborah Watson along with Joyce Nicolai and family and I knew that we could get something started in honor of those who have served our nation, a comeback literally.
Within seconds, Jim and I met Wendy Sardinsky, a powerhouse, who agreed to get in her car to re-invite the various people who had taken the train for the ceremonies and, upon finding nothing, walked back to the station.
Indeed, Wendy succeeded in bringing nearly everyone back to the War Memorial.
We recruited a young family out for a walk and wondrously we were set to contribute our little “comeback” ceremony to the countless remembrances being held along the Main Line and in America for Memorial Day today.
After I introduced Deborah to our group of twenty, she shared the inspiring and heartwarming story about her paternal grandfather, the Reverend Louis Earl Watson, who served in the United States Navy during World War I.
Next Deborah described the difference between a prayer and a blessing, “a blessing is spoken by a person to others, on behalf of God.”
A blessing it was which Deborah shared with all present, young and old, from Narberth and nearby towns, and even with a man from Venezuela.
Multi-generational and international of sorts, with all of us connected through our love and respect for the fallen warriors and Armed Forces, at her request, we looked to Deborah for this blessing:
“As you go along your homeward road, in silent thought, in friendly talk, around the grill and at every gathering, may you be near to God.
“The Lord be with you as the night enfolds this day with rest.
“Be He in every heart your Light, and in every home, your guest.
“The Lord Bless you, and keep you, and grant you, grant us all, His peace. Amen”
There is one more important thing to share with you.
When John Nardi told Jim and me that the day’s events were cancelled, my spirit went to the young person from Saint Margaret School who pondered this year’s prompt and worked to write an essay for all of us to know and appreciate.
With John Nardi’s approval, I called the parent of the student who won the essay prize to ask that I include the student’s essay here, in my opinion for the week.
So, readers, cast away any sadness and anxiety regarding the horrid and violent actions of youth recently recorded in the media, and read with pride and hope the words of Addie Gannon who is in her eighth grade year at Saint Margaret School.
“On July 4th, 2026 the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. For many people, that means fireworks, hot dogs, and parades with family and friends.
“Part of me feels that excitement and holiday spirit too. But another part of me feels something deeper, almost like a sense of responsibility.
“This anniversary reminds me that democracy is not just something we should only watch or depend on.
“It is a legacy we have taken on and a project we must continue building for future generations.
“Those who founded our country believed in ideas like liberty, independence, freedom, and equality.
“Although our nation was not perfect then, and still is not perfect now, each generation has worked to improve and enhance it.
“Americans have fought for civil rights, voting rights, and equity so that the country could align with its stated aspirations.
“For this reason, the 250th anniversary is more than just a celebration of the past. It is also a reminder about the future and the generations to come.
“Democracy relies on regular people making responsible decisions, staying informed, and being respectful, even during disagreements.
“We, the youth, especially have a significant role because we will shape the country in the years ahead.
“That is why this anniversary almost feels like both a celebration and a reminder of the responsibility we all share.”
Mary Brown, a member of Saint Margaret Parish and the Narberth Athletic Association Board, teaches Latin at Saint Joseph’s University.