Why is Jan Ranard, owner of Pizazz Studio in Historic Downtown Loveland so passionate about this program?
Imagine 150 Roses will be placed on graves in Arlington, and 250 will be placed on graves in Loveland!
Loveland, Ohio – Two years ago, Jan Ranard who owns Pizazz Studio purchased 250 roses to place on local veteran’s graves. They also purchased an additional 150 for graves in Arlington National Cemetery. That’s 400 graves that got decorated by this Loveland business.
That first year, Pizazz was one retailer of about 25, in the country, and this year it has grown to 50. Ranard said, “It’s kind of a lot for an independent retailer, but it hits home for me, and something that I think is very special – I wouldn’t turn down donations.”
2014 was the first year we participated in Flowers for Memorial Day.
Last year we were not able to as my Dad became ill, and passed away Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day was one of my Dad’s favorite holidays. Any excuse to honor the flag and country Dad was always there. It was important to visit the cemetery, taking along fresh flowers in canning jars (before it was trendy) with red white and blue ribbons, lying the flowers on the graves, and proudly with hands over our hearts pledged allegiance, then listened to the taps. The haunting and yet melodic sound of the taps always brings tears, and I can hardly swallow, as I think of the love lost defending our country, or those that served our country that are finally laid to rest.
The 21 gun salute, still echoes so clearly in my mind.
I looked around at all the roses left over in 2014, and it was clear to me that I should go to the cemetery myself carefully lying roses on the veterans graves, thanking them individually for their service.
I stopped quietly at the grave of our friend’s son, prayed and told him how much he was missed. I memorialized him, because he fought a battle and left footprints on the hearts of so many of us.
I called Dad when I got in the car and told him about my adventure. He was so proud of me and wished he could have been there to help me. We ended with our love you’s wishing he weren’t 600 miles away.
Memorial Day is a time to remember, to be thankful, and to pay respects.
This year it will be very hard for me I miss my Dad so much, however I look forward to my walk through the cemetery, honoring those, saying prayers, and laying roses on their stones. I know my Dad will be with me with every step I take, no longer 600 miles away, he’s right there with me.
Pizazz will be passing out roses after the ceremony Monday on Memorial Day, at Loveland’s Veterans’ Memorial.
The flowers will be also be available at Pizazz for anyone to pick up for your Veteran’s grave from Friday thru Monday.
There are only 50 retailers like Pizazz across the country participating in this program. They want to expand it all over, in all states, everywhere.
Thank you for helping to honor the men and women who have served our country. Thank you for passing on the Memorial Day tradition to your children, so that they feel the love of their country in their hearts. God Bless you, and God Bless the USA!
Sincerely,
Jan Ranard
Ranard said, “When I went out in 2014, I had about 175 of the 250 to put out, and I was shocked that more veterans didn’t have flowers on their graves.” She thanked each veteran for their service as she laid the flowers down. “It was overwhelming in such an awesome way,” she said.
“I would be thrilled to only do 75 myself this year, just so more people get involved, and feel the patriotic spirit of Memorial Day like I do,” said Ranard.
