Notes from Elm Grove
By: June Schroeder RN, CFP®
May 2025
All Ages Can Participate & Play!
We have a neighbor who is a violinist. He and his wife invited us to a concert in which he was performing. It was with the Milwaukee Intergenerational Orchestra (MIO). We were not familiar with that organization and decided to attend. It was a wonderful presentation of “The Joy of Traveling the World and Beyond” with pieces from Asia to Europe and ending with a Star Wars medley at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts.
MIO was formed in 2015 with the mission of “bringing together musicians of all ages and skill levels in a challenging, non-competitive environment.” With about 90 members, ages range from 12 to 80+, the group includes families and individuals who strive to share “the richness of life experience” with the love of music. Be sure to check the link above for information about the fall concert when it is posted.
Stringing Along on a Different Set of Strings
Milwaukee also has another musical group, the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra (MMO), which has been around since 1900! Shannon went to a concert they performed this spring and enjoyed it very much. The site states it is the oldest fretted instrument music organization in the U.S., and we have it right here in Milwaukee! I’ve got to see them next.
Memorial Day - A Day of Remembrance
As I was filling the calendar with appointments and birthdays, Memorial Day was just around the corner. I’m married to a veteran, and we are members of local veterans’ organization that are busy preparing for parades and ceremonies to honor those who have died in service to our nation. (In that light, saying “Happy Memorial Day” is considered bad taste so “Have a meaningful Memorial Day” is more appropriate according to Military.com)
Other traditions associated with this day, which originated during the Civil War as Decoration Day, include the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery and wearing blue and/or a red poppy.
Thinking about traditions, I remembered the 21-gun salute, the playing of ‘Taps”, and the careful folding of the American Flag at my uncle’s funeral. This ceremony is carried out to reflect the wishes of the veteran and the family. The 21 stands for the sum of the numbers 1776. There is meaning behind each of the 13 folds of the flag.
Folding of the American Flag - Meaning of the 13 Folds
The first fold is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain world peace.
For the curious: to find out about the rest of the folds and what happens to the flag after the ceremony check out 13 Folds of Old Glory.