1927 Collin County Courthouse, McKinney Texas Historical Marker (Photo credit: fables98)
that I found as a young man in 1970. My background was of one born in New York City. I had no trinkets or heirlooms from my past. Old decaying Brownstones in Harlem had no such things especially from the poor family of an iron and steel worker. I discovered the joy of collecting antiques on the Old McKinney Square in those days. The collecting became a passion for me as I called each antique a precious find. There was a magic in those crowded dusty shelves packed with hidden mystery. Each shop owner each dealer became first name friends with a smile and greeting as I searched a part of each day. It was about 2001 that my quests were no more for you see I ran out of space for those treasures. Today in another April in 2013 added to my life. I decided to again visit my Old McKinney Square. The warm friendly faces that I once knew where gone into the dusty trail of time. The crowded shelves of discovery were no more. The store fronts were new. Their new chic names in Gold letters on them. The antiques were new made to look old. They lacked a certain warmth and history in their shiny new look. My heart filled with sadness for I then realized I too would soon be gone. The Old McKinney Square is gone never remembered but forgotten. All my sweet memories of joys past will also be gone into the eternal sunset.
Texas Poetry 
“Memories of Us are Few” Memorial Day copyright 2014, John J. Rigo, Texas Commentator
Posted in A Texas' Commentary, Memorial Day 2014 Its Remembering my Proud Military Service, Memorial Day 2014 on Cedar Creek Lake in East Texas, tagged Air Force, Athens Texas, East Texas, Junior college, Mabank, Mabank Texas, Memorial Day 2014, Military service of John J. Rigo, Texas, United States on May 16, 2014| 3 Comments »
John J. Rigo’s name on the Veterans War Memorial in Mabank, Texas
John J. Rigo’s name on Veterans War Memorial in Mabank, Texas
As a senior, I know there is not unlimited time in my life to be in this world. I believe we all want to leave some part of us in the world. Something beside a tomb stone in a forgotten grave yard some place. Perhaps the kind of grave yard where the tomb stone lays flat on the ground. A place where huge grass cutting machines run across expanses of grass and weeds that sit among tomb stones.
I am proud to say, there is a place marked for me. It is a memorial of beauty in an East Texas town of Mabank. The memorial is a salute to perhaps, some of the happinest days of my life. It was my four years of active duty in the Air Force. Knowing that this place exists where my name is among those who have served our country with honor, brings me a truly wonderful peace.
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