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Health & Fitness

Memorial Day Tribute On Pine Street

Neighbors Harry & Nancy Meislahn of Pine Street offer a yearly tribute to former neighbor, friend and veteran Lloyd Mendelson through a special flag-raising ceremony.

It has become a tradition on one block of Pine Street.

For about the last five years on Memorial Day, Harry & Nancy Meislahn invite all their neighbors to a flag-raising event in front of their home, to honor their former neighbor, dear friend and veteran Lloyd Mendelson. 

"We have a deeply meaningful flag, and we're inspired to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made for our country," says Nancy Meislahn.  "We wanted to share it with everyone."

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For over 30 years, Harry and Nancy had been good friends with their neighbors, Lloyd and Eva Mendelson.  Lloyd served in World War II, and when he passed away in 1998, his casket was draped with the American flag.  Before Eva Mendelson moved from her home, she gave the flag to the Meislahns. 

Nancy got inspired to create the flag-raising ceremony after reading a book about caring for America through her church group.  In pondering over what she could do to honor Lloyd's spirit, while also paying tribute to veterans in our country, Nancy and Harry decided to do a flag-raising ceremony.  Harry created a pulley system on one of their trees.  The McNerney youth down the street -- Shannon, Dan and Maureen -- were enlisted to serve as color guards.  And Nancy decided to make refreshments -- coffee, juice and muffins -- for everyone who could attend.  Nancy even provides name badges for those of us (like myself), who forget names.

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"I've met more neighbors this morning than I've met all year," commented a neighbor on the block. 

I was inspired to take pictures this morning, in gratitude for the overwhelming hospitality, kindness and thoughtfulness of Harry & Nancy Meislahn.  It is special people like them who make Winnetka a warm, friendly place.

 

 

 

 

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