Beyond the BBQ: A Symphony of Remembrance and Summer Joy in the NH Lakes Region

Memorial Day serves as the official kick-off to summer in the Lakes Region. Towns ready themselves for the return of summer residents and vacationers ready to enjoy all that the Lakes Region has to offer. Main streets are adorned with flags, vibrant banners, and overflowing baskets full of flowers. Boat ramps teem with eager anglers, and boating enthusiasts filled with the anticipation of a day on the shimmering waters. Iconic attractions of all sorts awaken from their winter slumber to the warm embrace of a landscape filled with the fragrant bloom of tulips, daffodils, lilacs, and that iconic pine scent that awakens the spirit of the impending summer bliss that lies ahead.

For generations, New Englanders, as well as many from far away, have flocked to this lakeside haven, seeking respite from the long winter months. The Lakes Region is a place to reconnect with nature and create memories that last a lifetime. Families gather in backyards, on beaches, or at one of the many iconic summertime playgrounds that make even us well-seasoned folks feel like a kid again. Arcades, shopping, concerts, the lakes, and just about every dining option you can think of, make it easy to find something to satisfy everyone in the family. And don’t forget to stop at one of our many ice cream stands throughout the region for a sweet treat!

But this particular weekend carries a solemn purpose. It’s a time of remembrance, and I found such an occasion while walking to the park with my five-year-old the other day. As we passed the old cemetery in Gilford, she was asking about the “stones,” and I tried my best to explain what they are and why they are there. As you might imagine, she wasn’t quite sure what that meant. She asked me if people turn into rocks. I chuckled a little but I really had to think about how to explain this in a way that wasn’t terrifying to a child. We went on to the park and played a bit. When we left the park, I told her I was going to show her where her great-grandmother and great-grandfather were buried there; Willis “Doc” Hoyt and Mildred “Millie” Hoyt.

Doc and Millie were quite well-known around Gilford. Doc was a podiatrist right on Easy Street in the Village for many years. They had been in the community for a long time. Doc was also known, especially to his children and grandchildren, to be an extraordinary storyteller and quite the prankster. Millie was known for her volunteering spirit, especially her time with the Red Cross. Her children and grandchildren still talk about her elaborately decorated Christmas cookies. As we walked through the cemetery, she asked about death and I did my best to explain it to a five-year-old, but I was luckily bailed as we finally reached our destination at the Hoyt burial marker. I showed her their names and told her a little about them. But along with their headstones was a copper marker indicating Doc’s service in the military. It was great timing with Memorial Day approaching. While neither Doc nor Millie died in service, it did allow me to talk a little about that, in a kid-friendly way, of course.

Now this next part you’re going to think is completely made up, but I would swear under oath that it’s absolutely true. A little further on our walk home, she stopped and started saying the Pledge of Allegiance. This made me very curious. She told me she had seen a flag in someone’s yard and said, “I always say the pledge of allegiance when I see a flag.” She told me she says it every morning in school. It’s astonishing how children think. I’m still not sure if she put the two things together but the timing couldn’t have been more appropriate.

While the joy of the summer season lays heavy in your mind, towns all over the state will host solemn ceremonies attended by veterans and families alike. American flags will flutter proudly in the gentle breeze, their vibrant stars and stripes a symbol of the resilience and unity we share as Americans. As stories of fallen heroes are shared, it is a poignant reminder that the freedoms we cherish come at a cost, and the vibrant summer life we embrace is a testament to the sacrifices that have been made by those who were willing to give up their lives. Each story of valor and bravery echoes through our celebrations, urging us to honor their memory and never forget the price of our liberty.

As we welcome the season, let us reflect on the tranquil lakes that shimmer like polished mirrors, reflecting the solemnity of remembrance. The majestic mountains stand as a reminder of the stalwart that is America. And forests vibrate with the energy of generations past as it comes alive with the new season upon us. Boats sit at the ready, bobbing like eager children waiting to be unleashed. This juxtaposition, the honoring of the past alongside the joyous embrace of the present, is what makes Memorial Day in the Lakes Region so special.

So, as you raise a toast to the start of summer, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. Visit a local ceremony, pay your respects to those who have fallen in the line of duty, and let the spirit of remembrance mingle with the anticipation of warm days and endless fun. After all, the vibrant tapestry of summer in the Lakes Region is woven with threads of gratitude and appreciation, making it a truly unique New England tradition. This tradition, passed down through generations, ensures that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten, while simultaneously welcoming a season synonymous with joy, laughter, and the creation of lasting memories.

Happy Memorial Day!