I’ve spent the day relaxing in Pulaski, NY–no biking today! Trudi left early this afternoon to return to Minnesota. It was wonderful to have her nearby the past five days. Once again, I have no “road crew” on the ground with me. I am reminded, however, of all the support and encouragement I’ve gotten from you who’ve taken the time to read this blog. You’ve helped keep me company during some lonely hours dealing with the hills, rain, road work, and traffic, and it has been wonderful to share with you some of the joys, triumphs, and things I’ve learned along the way. Thank you!

I’ve now been at this venture for a month, and one of the things that has struck me about the many small towns I’ve passed through in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, is how they’ve remembered townsfolk who have served in times of war with a monument prominently placed in the center of the city. Even the smallest villages remember to do this. I feel that newer suburban communities with no town center such as the one I grew up in miss the sense of history and community that these monuments help provide, and I thought I would share just a few examples of the many markers I’ve seen.

Here is a World War I memorial for those who served in “the World War” from 1914 to 1918 from Haverhill, Pike, and East Haverhill.

This is a memorial in North Haverhill to those who served in the “War for the Union” from 1861 to 1865. There are three categories of names listed on the memorial–those killed in action, those who died in service, and those honorably discharged.

This is another World War I memorial, in Orford, NH, “erected in honor of those men and women of Orford who were in the service of the nation, the allies, and humanity during the years when the German armies attempted to conquer the civilizations of the earth and failed.”

These are markers here in Pulaski, NY, right across the street from the Airbnb where I am staying, honoring veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

As I cruise by on my bike, and sometimes stop to read and reflect, I’ve appreciated these sobering reminders of the sacrifices of those who have served our country.

In a much lighter vein, I’ve also appreciated the chance to slow down and appreciate some other kinds of reminders that seem to be everywhere I look these days. It seems there is wisdom to be found in signage all around us if we only take the time to pay attention to it. How about this one, from Artie’s Diner here in Pulaski, that I noticed on their bins of relish and mustard packets: “Never Get So Busy Making a Living That You Forget to Make a Life.”

And here’s a hopeful sign, which appears to be homemade, that I saw in front of a house a few blocks north of where I’m staying.

I’m back on the bike in the morning, but it’s been great to have a day off today. I’m thankful for the chance to pause and think about the many inspiring reminders that have come my way these past few weeks.