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Celebrating A Birthday And Honoring A Generation

photo provided Serving as the Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade, May Fay flashes that famed smile and shows a nation that she is still very proud of her military service and still does volunteer and serve..

photo provided Whether relaxing with husband Glen Fay or attending countless family gatherings, May's focus of family and commitment to service never wane.

photo provided A proud member of the WAVES, May stays connected not only to those who served with her, but shares her stories with high school students interested in learning about being an active citizen

photo provided WWII veterans Bill Larrabee and May Fay stand as the wreath commemorating those who have served in presented as a part of the Memorial Day festivities in Vergennes.

Tuesday November 12, 2013

By Cookie Steponaitis

Vergennes resident May Fay turned ninety years old and on Sunday, November 3, 2013 and a community and two families came together to honor her.  On the surface the gathering at first glance had all the trappings of a wonderful birthday celebration with balloons, cake, loved ones, young great-grandchildren running about and a slide show of May’s life. There were speeches, jokes, laughter and the simple joy of being together and honoring a ninety year old that has no plans on slowing down anytime soon.
But as soon as former Vermont legislature member and former Vergennes mayor Kitty Oxholm started reading an official proclamation from the current mayor and Vermont Legislature, the room grew quiet and the assembled friends and family listened intently to the accolades of the life of yet another member of the Greatest Generation. May Fay served her country not only as a WAVE in World War II but as a cryptographer who held a top secret clearance that was only revoked in the late 1960’s. May worked for over twenty years in Woods Hole as a member of a top notch crew of scientists and technicians.
May was a devoted mother and wife who shared in two families’ dreams, celebrations and daily life. She always vowed to return to her home in Vermont and did so in 2000 continuing her service to the community through work in the Friends of the Bixby Library, American Legion and other civic organizations. May Fay listened while the list and litany of praise was read and nodded occasionally at all the praise and whoop la. She simply was living her life and being true to herself as a professional, mother, community member and military service member helping her nation.
As one of several of her generation present at that happy gathering, May Fay and her counterparts stand out as more than ninety plus year olds celebrating a good life. Among the people assembled in the one room that day, a nation had been defended, a town had been developed, businesses had been founded, civic organizations created, churches raised, buildings improved and sports fields built without fanfare based on putting others before themselves. The Greatest Generation is one of action based on a work ethic that made America a world leader and their devotion and dedication to stand through unbelievably difficult times and band together created something from nothing. To listen to them talk and share stories is not to hear boastfulness or bragging but a simple statement of what was done, planned and how it was executed. Phrases like, “What fun we had,” or “It was a lot of work but we wanted it to come out right,” or even, “my country came first,” are a part of how they speak, think and act.
May got everyone’s attention as the festivities started to wind down,  thanked her children and everyone else who came to celebrate the day and shared that it was a gift to see everyone together in one place wishing them good health and a long life. May got down to the business at hand and made sure that she talked to everyone and not only shook hands but hugged them sending them out the door with love and that famous May Fay smile.
    As Veteran’s Day approaches again this year stop and be thankful not only for the those in uniform today and those who served in recent years past, but send a special thank you to a generation who are now ninety plus and still continuing to show each person who is willing to look and learn how to be a citizen, community member, solider, and still have time to shower love on children, family and friends. America has many treasures and the Greatest Generation is truly one of the most precious.
    From the hearts of all of us at the Valley Voice, to all in uniform past, present and future and to May Fay and her generation our sincere thanks. Bless you for continuing to show us all that civic involvement does not end with military service. We truly are indebted to the lessons you continue to show us just by being you.

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