Maya's Marvelous Memorial Day Salad

A shout out to alliteration! It just so happens to be my very favorite literary device. Okay. So this post isn't really in honor of alliteration, but of the soldiers who died to protect my country. Happy Memorial Day, folks! When I was little, Memorial Day meant that the pool was FINALLY open after a long winter. Now, however, I am more appreciative of the holiday. 

My great-granddad's name was Russell E. Bickford, and he was in the United States Air Force during World War II. Of course, it wasn't called the Air Force back then, but you get the idea. He enlisted to fight for his country, leaving his wife and young son at home. Here is the letter my great-grandma, Lois Bickford, received:

Dear Mrs. Bickford,Since your husband, First Lieutenant Russell E. Bickford, 0750497, Air Corps was reported missing in Action May 6, 1945, the War Department has entertained the hope that he survived and that information would be revealed dispelling the uncertainty surrounding his absence. However as in many cases, the conditions of warfare deny us such information. The record concerning your husband shows that he was a member of the crew of a B-20 (Super-fortress) aircraft which left Tinian Island on the night of May 25-26, 1945, to participate in a bombing mission in Tokyo. No contact was made with the plane after it departed its base. Several planes were seen going down over the target in the course of the attack, but because of darkness it was not possible to identify them. Rescue aircraft cruised off the shore of Japan during the mission, but found no trace of any member of your husband's crew. Reports recently received from overseas indicate that Captain Petersen and Sergeant Coz were killed in action May 26, 1945, but no further information regarding any of the other crew members has been received. The record further shows that your husband was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant effective June 11, 1945.

Full consideration has recently been given to all available information bearing on the absence of your husband including the records, reports, and circumstances. These have been carefully reviewed and considered. In view of the fact that twelve months have now expired without the receipt of evidence to support a continued presumption of survival, the War Department must terminate such absence by a presumptive finding of death has been recorded under the provision of Public Law 490, 77th Congress approved March 7, 1942, as amended.
The finding does not establish an actual or probable date of death however, as required by law, it includes a presumptive date of death for termination of pay and allowances settlement of acroments and payment of death gratuities. In the case of your husband, this date has been set as 27 May 1946, the day following the expiration of twelve months absence.I hope you may find sustaining comfort in the thought that the uncertainty with which war has surrounded the absence of your husband has served the honor his service to his country and of his sacrifice.Sincerely yours, Edward F. WitsellMajor GeneralThe Adjutant General of the Army.Adams County Free Press, June 13, 1946

Now that is a piece of history, my friends. He was only 24 years old. He had his entire life ahead, but he sacrificed it for something bigger than himself. Today, I honor my great-granddad Russell and all of his fellow fallen warriors. Their courage will never be forgotten. On a lighter note...
I invented a salad! 
The colors of the United States of America are red, white, and blue, so I incorporated these hues into my delicious salad for a bit of festivity. The mild, nutty goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet blueberries, and the arugula provides the tiniest bite of bitter. Top it all off with red wine vinaigrette, and you've got yourself a Memorial Day Salad!

Maya's Marvelous Memorial Day Salad
Ingredients

• A few handfuls of baby arugula
• Goat Cheese
• Blueberries
• Red Wine Vinaigrette

Execution

Place your arugula onto a plate. Slice a bit of your goat cheese, and crumble it on top. Next, wash up your blueberries, dry them, and scatter them on the arugula. And if you drop any blueberries on the floor - don't worry! According to Naturipe Farms Berries' website, "they're also good for your dog. All the antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals blueberries boast provide the same benefits for your dog's body that they give yours." That information made my pooch very happy, indeed. Finally, drizzle your salad with red wine vinaigrette for that dash of red. If you want, you can put some pecans or maybe some lemon zest on for a special touch. Enjoy your Memorial Day Salad, and be sure to remember those who are perished to help make the world a better place.

Always remember to look at the bigger picture.
-Maya

Photo by Laurentiu Iordache on Unsplash, Photo by Ministries Coordinator on Unsplash,
Photo by Annie Theby on Unsplash