Head Lettuce Days

Since early childhood, I remember the annual August celebration of Head Lettuce Days in Buena Vista. I am reminded of a Head Lettuce Day parade that took place while I was just a little boy. I was so proud of my brother Jack. He was home from his stint in the Pacific during WWII. I am not sure whether he had been discharged or not but he commanded the color guard that led the parade. He was in full dress Marine uniform. What I saw was a far different Jack than I had ever seen. I had known him as an easygoing, soft spoken older brother. The brother leading the colors was tall, erect and barked the marching orders with authority and in total command.

Crowds were gathered on either side of main street watching the very military and disciplined color bearers and color guards of various branches of the service led by the well-practiced Marine sergeant. As did all of the people those days, the onlookers stood; men with hats off; everyone with hands over their hearts as the flag of America with its 48 stars passed by. An exception was a well known drunk man sitting on the curb. When Jack looked to the side and saw this man, with loud and angry voice he said something like this: “You there, this is the American flag. Men have died for it. Now get on your feet and show respect” And he did.

I have never forgotten that moment nor the pride I felt in seeing my brother filling an awesome role I had never seen before nor have seen done better since.