365 Random Days of Team Zybko

Day # 333

March 2, 2013

Florence Veterans Park

 

Blue skies, puffy white clouds and the slightest of breezes are usually the reasons we get sucked in. Pulled into recess break at our hidden spot just a few minutes from our school room. The faithful family prison van hold our many bikes secure for spur of the moment picnics and activity with wheels. Every trip I estimate our time budget to stay between 45 minutes to an hour but similar to other areas in my life, I usually end up being way off. I have yet to come in under budget. More like 2 hours of fun filled riding, running, eating a packed lunch and even some good ole fashion learning snuck in there. Rarely are we forced to share this memorial park with any other Florentine. An occasional out of town walker looking for some fresh air might wander over from a nearby hotel but they don't get in the way. Age group generally over 60, I suppose they are headed down Interstate 95 to their actual home. I can't blame them for choosing one of the Florence exits to break up their road trip. We are a wonderful pit stop city half way to orange filled juicy Sunshine State.

 

Always plenty to do here. The more than adequate sized park is beautifully landscaped with a few side walks which squiggle around, eventually connecting for easy obstacle course set up. While the kids frolic and ride down huge southern hills I enjoy reading the names on the memorial wall. Names of courageous soldiers who gave their lives fighting and serving our country. My mind drifts and wanders back multiple decades, creating stories to match the etched out images of  the young Americans. Baby faces some of them, ghee whiz, I have kids this age. I can't image any of the three older kids being involved in a war half way around the world.

 

 The pilot dudes are every ones favorites. Aviator goggles, bomber caps and parachute gear from World War II still look Billy B-A, even 70 years later. We take a minute to pray, thanking of all the men and women still serving and those who have retired from duty. Thank you Florence for this treasure right here in my kids home town. We consider this space, sculptures, plaques and memories a special place to spend time. If you are ever rolling down Woody Jones Boulevard or staying at the Holiday in and spot the van, come join us. We could use the company. Don't worry about stopping by Chic-fil-a either, I always have the makings for an extra peanut butter, chocolate chip honey sam-itch.