Hershey at its Best

When you hear the word, Hershey, what comes to mind?

Chocolate?  For sure!

But yesterday had far more to offer than just sweet confections, although there most certainly was some of that included in the day.

Yesterday was Marty and my 39th wedding anniversary, and we found ourselves celebrating the day in Hershey, not by accident, as I had learned in March that Josh Groban was performing at the Hershey Giant Center on June 21.  When Marty suggested that I purchase concert tickets, I wasted no time in ordering them.  After all, how often does that opportunity arrive?

And, to top things off, I booked a B&B so that we wouldn't have to make the long drive home afterwards.  Marty decided to take a vacation day, and we headed into Hershey to make a day of it.

First stop was Hershey Gardens.

Luckily for us, the rain had stopped and the skies had changed to brilliant blue with white puffy clouds adding a dramatic background.

We really couldn't ask for a more perfect afternoon.  And, the gardens were bursting with roses in bloom.  More than 175 varieties, all brimming with brilliant colors.

I'm not sure that I can say that I had a favorite, as all were unique and lovely.  

But the gardens are far more than just roses. We began exploring by heading to the Children's Garden which borders the roses near the entrance.  Note the Hershey Kisses adorning the two columns under the sign.

And the Hershey Kiss fountains which randomly sprayed a mist of water, to our delight.

There was a pond set up 

adorned with Lily pads

and after some very load croaks, I managed to spot this little guy hiding under the rocks.

I had to laugh at his grim looking face.

I did mention that this was the children's garden as you can see by some of the fun statues.

Here you see Mole, one of the entertaining characters in the beloved book, "Wind of the Willows"

and there are some  fellow characters from the book hidden here and there over the stone bridge.

There was this  unique horse and cart

which actually was a ride in the park in the mid 50's.  A photo featured the same horse and wagon being driven along a track.  What fun that must have been!

From here, we walked along the trails taking in the beauty at every corner.

As you can see, the place was brimming was beauty.  I took one last photo of the pond before exiting the gardens.

Before leaving, we decided to venture into the Butterfly Garden.  The interior was very humid, as these are tropical creatures. They were quite active, and I can't even begin to say how many different species were fluttering around.

But I did manage to capture some photos as they alighted on the various plants in the garden.

These were of particular interest as the inside of the wings are actually a brilliant blue. 

Definitely unique with the outside being a deceptive camouflage.

As I went to take this photo of these colorful orchids, two of those blue winged butterflies flew by, resulting in a bit of a blue blur that you can see near the bottom.

Before leaving the room, we were required to check our bodies thoroughly to be certain that there were no hitch hikers leaving with us.  We were free and clear.

We decided to head to the Hotel Hershey, where Marty ordered a beer, and I decided on a White Chocolate Raspberry Martini.

All I can say is that it was like drinking dessert!

By now, it was time to check into our B&B, so we headed over, only to find that the road had been closed due to a pole collapsing right out front!  But we managed to find it after maneuvering through some back roads.  Our room was fit for a king....or at least for Napolean, as that was the name assigned to it.  

It came complete with a bowl of Hershey Kisses for our enjoyment!  

But we didn't have time for indulgence since the road situation was definitely affecting our travel time, so did a quick change then drove back into Hershey for dinner at an Italian restaurant.  

The waitress had asked if we were in town for the concert, and I mentioned that we were, and that we were celebrating our anniversary.  

Imagine our surprise when, after we had finished our dinner, she placed a small chocolate (of course) cake with a lit candle on our table!

It was scrumptious!

And filling!  So we waddled out the door and made our way to the concert venue which was only a couple of miles away.  We were settled in our seats half an hour prior to concert time, but it would be quite some time before Josh Groban would take the stage.  Believe me, he was well worth the wait.

And I had managed to secure awesome seats.  When he moved to a second stage to continue his performance, not much distance separated us. 

I have had the pleasure of seeing this young man perform several times, and I've even blogged about my adventures in the past.  This concert was just as entertaining as any of the previous ones that I have enjoyed.   It was nearly eleven when he finished, so we didn't get back to our room until pretty late, as we had to maneuver the back roads since the pole still hadn't been replaced.

But when we awoke this morning, we knew the problem was resolved when we heard the traffic on the road.  Breakfast was delicious and we enjoyed some conversation with some fellow concert attendees who were also staying at the B&B.

We decided to stop in Cornwall on the way home, to take a walk along a bike trail that I had spotted on my travels awhile ago.  The trail is a former railroad line that ran through the area, and it has been tarred for easy bike riding, and in our case, walking.  

On the way back to the car, we came across some fire police who mentioned that a truck parade was going to be passing by in short time.  It was the Trucks for Christ Parade, and they were ready to help control the traffic at the pedestrian crossing.

We had absolutely no idea what the Trucks for Christ  Parade entailed, but we certainly found out, because before we even got close to the car, the lead truck was coming down the road.

Now, I don't know about you, but I can honestly say that this was the first time I'd seen a semi marked as a Mobile chapel.

And, I was surprised to see just how many trucks participated. 

This guy didn't exactly fit the theme.

It was obvious that some of these drivers had a sense of humor, as this one with the little car strapped to the flat bed.

 And there was the pink tractor.

and the swan adoring the front of a couple of trucks.

That was just a small fraction of the trucks that drove by, each of them blowing their horn as they passed.  And Marty certainly had an enjoyable time watching and waving!

I think it took nearly an hour and a half until the parade finally ended.  We then began our journey home, but not before seeing 4 parachutists drop from the sky into a field along the road.  

Honestly.....you do have to admit....we sure do seem to encounter some crazy adventures while gallivanting!

And I can't help but think that there will be more as we had to 40 years!

I'll be sure to keep you posted!

.

Welcome Home SSGT Carl M. Shaffer

As part of Memorial Day Weekend, today was filled with various activities geared to remembering those heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.  There were parades and ceremonies scattered about, and even more are scheduled through Monday.  

So, it certainly seemed appropriate that today was the day that the family had chosen for the reinterment of SSGT Carl M. Shaffer in Pottstown, PA.  And, Marty and I were honored to have been able to attend.

SSGT Shaffer was a member of the 38th Bomb Sq, 30th Bomb Group, stationed on Betio Island in Tarawa Atoll.  His bomber group was assigned to support the Marines who had seized the island during the battle in November 1943.  On Jan 21, 1944, Shaffer's plane departed from the airfield in Tarawa to participate in a bombing mission.  But the crew would never achieve their objective, as the plane crashed into the lagoon shortly after take off.  None of the crew survived. 

Their remains were buried in Cemetery #33 on the island of Betio, two being identified by the AGRS in 1946.  But Shaffer was not one of them.  He continued to lay undiscovered until 2017 when History Fight discovered a series of burials in Cemetery # 33 that had been missed by the AGRS. 

And today's ceremony was designed to honor this man who perished 75 years ago.

There were many people who came out today to participate in welcoming him home. And while people were meeting and greeting, this lone sentry stood guard outside the door of the hearse which held the remains of his fallen comrade.

This same young man had been responsible for driving to the airport for the  Dignified Transport of Shaffer just yesterday.

The Honor Guard stood in wait for the ceremony to begin.

And this group of veterans, driving in on their motorcycles, was also present to participate.

Finally, the moment arrived when the Honor Guard approached the hearse to remove the casket.

and they began the walk through those military personnel who had come specifically to honor Shaffer. 

finally resting him in front of the family in attendance.

When the flag was lifted,  one could note a shiny new dogtag attached to the handle. 

Words of appreciate of Shaffer's service were delivered to those in attendance.

A poem written by his wife, was read:

Looking from the open window I cast my eyes upwards

Towards the heavenly blue sky I seem to see the rays of the beautiful Oriental sunset on the golden wings of the pilot's plane

As it soars through the sky so quietly like a bird on its wings

So sure of its flight, but low it has gone beyond the blue horizon.

He has crossed the far and landed on the white coral reef f Tarawa, where he will remain and live long in our memory.

In the loving arms of our Savior who was our Hero.

Her words confirmed the belief that had been expressed by the minister just a few minutes earlier:  SSGT Carl M. Shaffer started his date in eternity 75 years ago; today involved the technicality of finally laying his body to rest on American soil. 

After the brief words were spoken the ceremony continued, first with a gun salute

then, the playing of taps by a bugler,

followed by the traditional folding of the flag.

The flag was then presented to the niece of SSgt Shaffer.

And the casket was lowered into the ground to await the seal bearing his name.

Today, yet another family can rest easy, knowing that their beloved uncle has returned home. 

So while you are celebrating Memorial Day weekend while enjoying those special family festivities that generally welcome summer, please remember to stop and remember the reason for celebrating Memorial Day.  It was the heroic actions of men such as these that helped to secure the freedom that this country holds so dear. 

Embrace that thought.  And be grateful to those who suffered the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

May you have a special Memorial Day Weekend.