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Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her desk and “wander around” the area of operations, talk to people, ask questions, and kick around ideas with the individuals in the thick of delivering services to the public. So the author will bring up issues and ask the leaders among the readership to share their knowledge and experiences.
When I took this job in 1997, I was coming off a 20-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, where patriotism is a way of life. For the first time I wasn’t surrounded by people who believe America is a special lady, and who are willing to fight and die to protect her.
So when a member of the city council--the wife of a retired Marine--asked me to assist in organizing the city’s first Memorial Day event, I didn’t hesitate. In fact, it was an honor. I was surprised that there had never been that type of event before.
A Tradition Is Born
Working with the local Kiwanis, VFW and American Legion, I put together a fine ceremony attended by about 250 people. It was held in the city hall/library plaza at the new VFW Veterans Memorial. I was happy with the inaugural turnout, but was already thinking of improvements for the next year.