Honoring the Memories and the Battles

Again this year, we had the option of including our loves ones in the opening ceremony. A white fabric flag cover the length of several tables. Markers were provided. This flag was raised on the flagpole within the Survivors’ Circle during the ceremony.

Again… so many names… too many names…

The ceremony was beautiful, as always; a combination of celebration, pep rally, memorial and old time revival meeting. Its very early and we’re all chilly and not quite awake and yet the energy is unreal, the adrenaline, the sense of communal purpose and passion. It sets the tone for the entire weekend.