Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Williamsburg Memorial Park honors fallen members of the armed forces and first responders on Memorial Day. (Williamsburg Memorial Park)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: Memorial Day serves as an opportunity to honor United States Armed Forces members who have given their lives in service to the country.

Things to do:

• Help the Rotary Club of Vienna and the Town of Vienna support more than 70 local organizations by attending the ViVa! Vienna! charity event occurring Saturday through Monday. The free event raises money through the Brewfest Beer Garden on Mill Street.

• The 26th Annual Ride of the Patriots to “Rolling to Remember” offers the Fairfax community the opportunity to honor those who serve, whether it be through the military or as first responders. The event will take place on Sunday.
• Enjoy some patriotism by attending the Reston Chorale’s Star-Spangled Salute Concert on Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Reston. The performance is meant to honor those who have served and remember their sacrifices.  While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to bring care package items for the troops as a donation.

Need additional ideas? We’ve got you covered at the link below.

Amie (left) and Colton Knowles enjoy fried chicken and sides at Walsh’s Chicken & More in Martinsville. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)

By Amie Knowles

For about a month, I’ve been telling my kiddo about the most amazing fried chicken in the world. It comes from a single eatery in Martinsville—and that’s Walsh’s Chicken & More. Colton and I were in the area earlier this week, presenting the perfect opportunity to enjoy the local favorite for lunch. 

Walsh’s, located at 24 W Church St., reopened in 2017 after an electrical fire caused a total loss of the original structure in 2015. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a regular, walking through the doors at Walsh’s just feels like coming home. 

When you get there, stroll up to the counter to place your order before enjoying either a glass of sweet tea or lemonade. Then, find a seat in the cozy dining area. And—this one’s important—whether you know the person at the tables nearest you or not, you talk to them. 

Following those unspoken restaurant rules, Colton got to meet Martinsville Sheriff Steve Draper. The sheriff walked in for lunch while we were there, and Colton smiled at him. Draper smiled back and waved, which Colton took as an invitation to chat. They talked a little about basketball, baseball, and of course Pokèmon. As their conversation came to an end, Draper put out his hand for a shake—and Colton went straight in for a big hug. 

So the next time you’re in the area, I’d suggest giving Walsh’s a try. That is, as long as you’re prepared for some great food and friendly conversation. 

Memorial Day began as a way to honor fallen soldiers in the American Civil War. The federal holiday now recognizes the lives of the men and women who died while serving in the US military. 

We extend our most sincere thanks to those who serve our country, and certainly to the brave service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice—both this weekend and beyond. 

• Labor leaders around the state are reacting with a mixture of disbelief, anger, and disappointment over Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoing one of their top priorities. (Read more)

• Watch as Gov. Abigail Spanberger explains why she’s vetoing legislation supported by labor unions that would have expanded collective bargaining rights to hundreds of thousands of public workers in Virginia. (Watch here)

• The NAACP recently asked the US Supreme Court to reverse its decision in the Virginia redistricting case. The proposed map overhaul could have expanded Democrats’ advantage in Virginia’s congressional delegation to 10-1.⁣ (See post)

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