A Person You Should Know
This week's Person You Should Know is Jan Kowalski of South Bend. She is a mother of three and has assisted with the South Bend Westside Memorial Day parade for the past several years. This year's parade is on May 29 at 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of Ford and Lombardy Streets.
Family: I have been married for 16 years to my husband Kevin. I have three children and five grandchildren ranging in age from 7 to 5 months. My family is my life.
My mission in life: My mission in life is to give what I can and be proud of what I have done. It pains me when I have to tell someone "no." My heart is huge, but there are only so many hours in the day.
How I give back: I commit about six months a year to the parade, during which I am in complete "parade mode" as my husband calls it.
Hobbies: My hobbies are reading and going on road trips with my grandkids. I want them to experience as much as I can offer them.
Nugget of Wisdom: Give life everything you can. Do not overwhelm yourself and remember you are you. No one else can change that.
What do you enjoy most about your role with the parade: I have worn many hats within the parade throughout the years, but I can honestly say the best part is walking down the parade route and being thanked by bystanders for keeping the tradition going and to see the smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. I realize the younger crowd is excited because "it's just a parade," but the older ones know what we are doing and why.
Why is Memorial Day important to you: Memorial Day is a day for remembrance. To remember those that have fought for our country, who served and protected, who died in the line of duty, whether on our own land or foreign lands. My father was a Vietnam veteran, and I saw the effects the war had on him. He was not broken, but he was a changed man.
To nominate someone for this column, call or email Jerry Goshert (jerry@farmers-exchange.net), or courtney@(farmers-exchange.net), associate editor. The telephone number for both editors is 574/831-2138.