What makes a good, no, a great family reunion? I have not attended that many
family reunions, though I have had plenty of opportunities; however, I invite my readers
to share their experiences of what makes a great family reunion.
A not so good family reunion probably generates from a lack of planning. After all,
shouldn’t every event have a purpose, or, perhaps, a theme, beyond the mere event
itself? It is great to have an event in which almost every person at the event is of the
same background, through blood or marriage.
Is that enough? Is mere good food enough? I suggest that a properly air conditioned
environment may be a starter when the weather is 100 degrees outside during the middle of
summertime heat and Southern humidity. Likewise, events held outside should have
preparations for mosquitoes. I am less than content to suffer hot weather, humidity, or
mosquitoes.
Share Family Heritage At Family Reunions
One benefit of a family reunion is to build familial relationships. Another is to share
family heritage. It is also an opportunity to teach the generations about their history. I
gave a presentation to the descendants of Jeremiah Fletcher that was well received. Not
everyone can entertain a crowd, and it takes a lot of work to prepare for the event;
however, I believe in bringing life to the ancestry of our forbearers. Perhaps it was
interesting to some to hear a mathematical analysis as to the age of my great-grandfather
Jeremiah of 16 years 10 months 30 days when his father, DeKalb Calvin Fletcher, died at 49
years 11 months, when the family had previous members who had lived to 95 and 101, with
the obituary stating 108 years old.
Perhaps it was the story about the Battle of Boonsboro, in which DeKalb’s brother, my
great-great uncle John W. Fletcher, died in, on September 14, 1862. John was 36 years 5
months old when he was killed fighting for the Confederate States of America. Stories
regarding the lives and times of our ancestors bring to life those long ago loved ones.
Cemetery Photos, Maps and Family History Questionnaires
Another technique is to provide pictures of cemetery entrances and the graves of loved
ones buried within that cemetery, with a map and directions to facilitate the exploration
to that site by those who wish to learn more about their heritage. Likewise, this is an
opportunity to pass out a family history questionnaire with a beckoning to relatives to
please take it home and assist in the preparation of the family history. Folks need to be
reminded, occasionally, so that they are more inclined to do the right things when they
need to be done.
Unanswered questions will always be present in any analysis of family history. Ancestry
facts, as well as the unanswered questions, are what interest families and that, in my
mind, is what separates an ordinary, from an extraordinary event. For those interested, we
have a family history handout on our website at www.ValdostaMemorials.com.
Family reunions do not have to be uninspiring social events. With thought and preparation,
they can be opportunities to educate across generational boundaries so someone may applaud
your efforts and express the greatest honor of all, by saying, "I didn’t know
that." Family reunions can be an extraordinary event!
What makes a good, no, a great family reunion? I have not attended that many
family reunions, though I have had plenty of opportunities; however, I invite my readers
to share their experiences of what makes a great family reunion.