Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 29, 1990 TAG: 9005290098
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TRACY VAN MOORLEHEM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Minor flooding was reported in the Parrot and Back Creek areas of Pulaski County, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.
The National Weather Service reported that 2.36 inches of rain fell on Pulaski County between midnight Sunday and about 9 p.m. Monday and 2.21 inches was reported at Roanoke Regional Airport.
Hardest hit was Henry County where 3.2 inches of rain was recorded, but no flooding was reported.
More rain was predicted for Monday night and early today. The weather service issued a flash flood watch through 8 a.m. today for all of Southwest Virginia.
Because the ground is saturated, flooding could be expected if it rains between 1 1/2 and 2 inches in any 3-hour period, said Donato Cacciapaglia at the weather service.
Despite the rain, a crowd of 40 had gathered at Lee Plaza when word went out that the Memorial Day Ceremony they were awaiting had been canceled because of the weather.
"A lot of these guys died in mud up to their necks, I don't see why a little rain should bother us," grumbled one veteran.
The Roanoke Valley Veterans Council planned the ceremony to remember those who died in service to America. Retired Circuit Judge Jack B. Coulter was to be the main speaker.
Charles Akers, a Vietnam veteran, said he came out to the ceremony even though it was raining because, he said, "I owe some fellows."
Steve Roragem agreed. "A lot of us owe our lives to the guys who aren't here. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for some of them," he said. Roragem served in Panama and Germany.
Ray Cross, a World War II veteran, said that it is always a shock to wake up on Memorial Day and realize that he was "one of the lucky ones."
A centennial celebration at Fair View Cemetery in Roanoke took place as scheduled despite the rain. A wreath honoring war dead was placed by Army Gen. William B. Rosson, retired; and Rep. Jim Olin dedicated a flag pole and centennial plaque. Del. Clifton Woodrum was master of ceremonies.
There also was a Civil War re-enactment by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Fincastle Rifles Camp 1326, an open house, walking tours to interesting gravestones and historic displays.
Festival in the Park also suffered cancellations because of the rain. By noon Monday most of the crafts booths were closed, as well as the beer garden and the children's hands-on activities.
Other events, such as the bike race, the three performance stages and the children's theater stayed open but drew tiny crowds.
Most food concessions decided to stay open regardless of the weather. Dorothy Espey came from Pensacola, Fla., to sell Grain-fed Catfish on a Stick. She said sales were slow, but she'd expected the rain so she planned to stay.
Wendi Turner, executive director of Festival in the Park, said she was not disappointed with the festival's attendance.
"We're doing better now than this time last year," she said. "I haven't seen the figures, but that's my feeling.
"Of course we'd like better weather, but we were ready for this and we'll have to make the best of it."
by CNB