If Yogi Bear were running around Nebraska during the summer season, he’d undoubtedly be seeking pic-a-nic baskets loaded with appealing delicacies like crispy fried chicken and creamy potato salad.

Picnics – with or without pesky ants or blasted bees – create a compelling connection among those attending one of summer’s favorite pastimes. Picnics traditionally bring communities together to celebrate an accomplishment or gather families to honor traditions and memories.

A picnic may be a dreamy tete-a-tete filled with amorous intentions and spicy aphrodisiacs.

A picnic is more than a meal served outside. It’s a moveable feast, a fête of culinary diversity.

Coined by the French in the late 1600s, ‘picnic’ refers to each individual’s contribution to the meal, kitchen sink excluded.

When I was in elementary school, we spent the last day at the park. Our mothers (well, those who didn’t work outside the home) attended the long line of picnic tables, creating a smorgasbord for this annual potluck party.

It wasn’t about the food, although the food was good. The memorable part of the picnic was spending time with our classmates, being able to run and play outside. The last hurrah before summer vacation officially kicked off.

Those schoolhouse picnics weren’t the only outdoor meals that stand out. I remember backyard barbeques with my parents and sister. Dad grilled steak, mom sliced fresh peaches, and we’d laugh at each other’s jokes and swat mosquitoes from our arms and flies from our plates.

A picnic meant family bonding time, and it seems like my family has enjoyed their fair share.

Last summer, I was looking at family photos and watching films converted to DVD featuring my grandparents, my mom and her siblings, and assorted aunts and uncles. Quite a few photographs show my grandma carrying large plates of food to the picnic table, my great aunts surrounding her, carrying pies or salads.

This group gathered nearly every Sunday after church, breaking bread and relaxing. Some of the photos are at my grandparents’ home; others at the spot we called the boat club near Tilden.

Glancing at those pictures, I realize just how much has changed. Why did those calm Sundays disappear?

Give me a Sunday afternoon where we don’t have to work or shuttle our kids (or grandkids) to soccer or softball. Give me a Sunday afternoon where families still gather to share a meal and actually enjoy spending time with one another.

Of course, some times, a carpet picnic in the air conditioning, away from the buzz of mosquitoes is nice, too. Or how about a good, old-fashioned community gathering or block party where neighbors actually know everyone in the hood and share more than a casual wave of the hand or a hurried hello.

A picnic allows us to unwind, it’s an escape from the harried world. A picnic allows us to converse with family and neighbors, to savor summer. A picnic presents the chance to create special foods for special people.

And, it’s a chance to act like a kid again.

Time for a pop quiz. I know, school’s out for summer, but let’s test your knowledge about something red, something blue, and something with stars and stripes, too.

#1: When is Flag Day?

#2: When did the United States first have a standardized flag?

#3: What are the flag’s two nicknames?

#4: How many pieces of fabric are required to make the American flag?

#5: What do the 13 red and white stripes represent?

#6: What was the first American Flag called?

#7: Which American leader did Betsy Ross teach to make a 5-pointed star?

#8: Who contributed to the design of the first flag?

#9: The first ceremony honoring the Stars and Stripes was held June 14, 1877. What did the celebration honor?

#10: Which states passed a law in 1890 requiring schools to fly the flag daily?

#11: Which city held the first official Flag Day observance?

Are you ready to wave the white flag and surrender? Sometimes, we forget the basic elements of our national history, and a refresher course never hurts! (Answers, in order: June 14, 1912, Stars and Stripes and Old Glory, 64, original 13 colonies, Grand Union, George Washington, Betsy Ross, the centennial of the adoption of the US flag, North Dakota and New Jersey, and Philadelphia.)

Since 9/11, when our country’s patriotism reached fever pitch, American flags fly proudly over schools, government agencies, and all sorts of buildings. Old Glory waves from thousands of homes, a symbol of freedom and liberties our forefathers strived for and our military continues to fight for. And since that day when our peace was disrupted, many Americans consider every day to be a Flag Day.

What is the real reason for the celebration? Credit a Wisconsin school teacher. In 1885, BJ Cigrand developed the idea of celebrating the flag’s birthday on June 14, the anniversary of its official adoption. By the mid 1890s, flags were plentiful and cities hosted festive celebrations honoring the Grand Old Flag.

What does it mean to our country and even to Nebraska residents?

I don’t remember attending any grand parades for the red, white and blue. June 14 would come and go like any other sticky summer day, except my mother would hang the flag from our front porch. Most of our neighbors did, too.

I do remember one Flag Day spent with my grandparents in Wausa. In front of each business, an American flag stood tall and proud. Next to the auditorium, a circular display swayed, creating a sea of patriotic ripples.

Grandma reminded me that my grandfather’s actions during WWI made it possible for our family to enjoy the simple things in life. She stressed loyalty to every thread comprising that flag and explained why that banner deserves daily respect and remembrance.

When you’re 10, you listen, but those wise words may never take root until you’ve experienced life, seen the attempted destruction of our nation’s values.

Now, when you look at that flag, it’s a visual reminder of sacrifice and anticipation of faithful trust in this nation.

Perhaps Carnac the Magnificent would have predicted the growing success of one of Northeast Nebraska’s hottest summer treasures.

Some of you – if over age 25 – may remember the mystic of the East portrayed by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Sidekick Ed McMahon would assure the audience that the envelopes had been enclosed in a mayo jar that had been under Funk and Wagnall’s porch since noon, and absolutely no one knew the contents of the hermetically-sealed packets.

Then Johnny – or Carnac – placed the envelope against his beaded red turban, announced the answer to the impending question, ripped open the envelope, and produced the punch line.

For the fourth year, Carnac’s favored spot in June undoubtedly would be center stage at the Johnny Carson Theater, as Norfolk hosts the Great American Comedy Festival. The festival began as a tribute to hometown hero Carson and his legacy to the comedy world.

Called the King of Late Night, Carson played an instrumental role in the career paths for multiple comedians. This year’s headliner, Louie Anderson, got his big break after appearing on The Tonight Show. While performing his set, Anderson listened for Johnny’s laughter and for him to hit the desk.

Other past festival performers have mentioned another sign of comedic success: being invited to sit in the chair next to Johnny’s famous desk and chat with Carson.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend one of the myriad shows available, pencil it in on your calendar. Shows begin next Wednesday, June 15!

Amateur competition heats up Wednesday evening with the winner determined by audience vote.

On Thursday and Friday, 20 professionals vie for a chance to compete in Saturday’s Gala showcase, featuring Anderson and this year’s Johnny Carson Legend Award winner, Cloris Leachman.

On Sunday, the Skit Guys entertain at the family show. The duo combines humor and faith for hilarious results.

If you’re looking for something a little more risqué, check out the late-night sets on Thursday and Friday. The professionals will share different sets with content for a mature audience.

I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the festival’s planning committee and director of the youth camp since its inception. The youth camp remains one of the festival’s quiet commodities and proves anyone can tickle someone’s funny bone. Instructors come from top comedy institutions: The Second City and the San Francisco Comedy College.

Here, students learn more than the art of a joke or the timing for a Saturday Night Live-style skit.  As an observer, I see confidence take root, break through the underlying barrier of shyness and self-doubt, and form into a confident individual who realizes it is okay to laugh and poke fun at your own mishaps.

That’s one of the beauties of humor.

Carson once said, “Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: “Are you ready?”

Placing envelope to the forehead, Carnac’s answer for the participating comedians: Yes.

It’s time for another round of Trivial Pursuit, Nebraska Edition. Let’s match wits on all things Nebraska based on May holidays or celebrations.

How many drivers with Nebraska ties have raced at the famed Brickyard during the Indianapolis 500?  My research shows seven.

Earl Cooper, born in 1886, was one of auto racing’s first superstars. Beginning in 1913, Cooper experienced a rash of tough luck on the bricks. Between spin outs, broken wheels and valve failures, Cooper’s best finish came in 1924. He finished second.

In 1910, Eddie Rickenbacker ran a Firestone-Columbus auto agency in Omaha before the racing bug bit. He started racing in the Indy 500 in 1913. Then, WWI hit and Rickenbacker won the Medal of Honor. By 1927, he owned Indianapolis Motor Speedway and sold the track in 1946.

Ronney Householder competed in 1937 and 1938.

Carl Forberg raced in the 1951 500.

Omaha-born Bob Mathouser raced in the 1964 race.

Lincoln native Roger Rager tried several times before qualifying for the 1980 Indy, clocking the tenth fastest qualifying time.

Gordon Smiley, another Omaha driver, ran in the 1980 and 1981 races. On May 15, 1982, Smiley set out to qualify after Kevin Cogan and Rick Mears turned in record-breaking times. On Smiley’s second lap, the car started to oversteer. Smiley tried to correct the problem, and the front wheels gripped, sending Smiley’s car across the track and into a wall at a speed of 200 mph. He died on impact.

+    +

How often do you partake of an incredible edible egg? At our house, the answer is nearly every day.

Where does Nebraska rank nationally in commercial egg production?  Eighth.

According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska’s laying hen population is close to 10 million birds. They produce over 3 billion eggs a year, laying close to 95 million dollars into the state’s economy. Wakefield’s M.G. Waldbaum Company, a subsidiary of Michael Foods, Inc., is the largest processed egg company in the world.

+    +

Beef Month wrapped up on Tuesday in the Husker state. What’s Nebraska’s ratio of cattle to people?

The Nebraska Beef Council reports that cattle outnumber Nebraska residents nearly 4 to 1. The organization sponsored a “Best Burger” competition. Who won? The Cellar Bar and Grill in Kearney. Been there, done that, tasted great. Still, nothing compares to a fresh burger grilled at home.

+     +

You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, assuming you want to catch flies.

Is vinegar processed in Nebraska? Yup, and Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to test every flavor and start concocting gourmet recipes.

Located in Cody, George Paul Vinegar began operations in 2009. Owners George and Karen Johnson began growing grapes just over a decade ago to make wine. Now the vinegary operates from a cozy straw-bale building. Locally-grown fruits – grapes, wild plums, chokecherries, and sandcherries– are processed “Old World” style.

Scott and I stopped last summer, toured the facility, and taste-tested several flavors. Peach vinegar = simply delicious.

++

Are you a Nebraska trivia master?

On a hilltop overlooking a meandering river, pieces of aging sandstone stand at attention, a symbol of military duty and honor.

Over the weekend, Scott and I visited Old Fort Randall, South Dakota. The final resting place for some of our nation’s soldiers whose job was to maintain peace on the frontier is embedded into a hillside and outlined with a white fence.

Looking at the faded stones, I contemplated who maintains this serene, scenic, and historic spot.

I wondered about Memorial Day and Nebraska cemeteries and how we pay respects to individuals who valiantly served this country.

Nebraska’s lone National Cemetery, Fort McPherson, sits two miles off Interstate 80 near Maxwell.

Originally built in 1863, Fort McPherson soldiers filled two primary goals: maintain peace between Oregon Trail travelers and Native Americans and offer military protection during railroad construction.

The National Cemetery, spanning 20 acres, was established in 1873, and 50 remains from the old post burial ground were reinterred here. The first burial at the old post cemetery occurred in 1867. A lodge at the memorial park was constructed in 1876 and restored in 1951 and again in 2000.

Four soldiers who received the Medal of Honor rest in this hallowed ground. Three soldiers– Private Daniel A. Miller, Sergeant Emanuel Stance, and Sergeant George Jordon – battled during the Indian Wars. Private First Class James W. Focus was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.

Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry who were originally buried at Fort Robinson were relocated to Fort McPherson after the northwestern Nebraska Fort closed in 1947. Sixty-three members of this regiment are laid to rest here.

The last surviving Union veteran of the Civil War from Lincoln County, Nebraska, died in 1942 and was interred here. Private Cyrus Fox, 7th Iowa Infantry, served under General McPherson, whom the cemetery is named after.

Another interesting spot in the cemetery marks a group burial of 28 enlisted soldiers killed in a run in with a group of Sioux on August 19, 1854. Known as the Grattan Massacre after Lieutenant John L. Grattan, who led the soldiers, the battle is considered the beginning of aggression between Sioux and U.S. forces.

Walking through the cemetery, visitors can view a monument noting the Pony Express route along the Oregon Trail, which runs through the cemetery.

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, Fort McPherson ranks 49th in the nation in the number of interments conducted annually among national cemeteries overseen by the VA. On average, 232 burials take place here each year.

The Fort McPherson site isn’t the only cemetery where the brave are honored. Stroll through your local cemetery and you’ll undoubtedly locate gravestones of men and women who unselfishly served so we have the freedoms we appreciate and may even taken for granted.

As Memorial Day nears, we must not let memories of the fallen plunge into a microcosm of neglect. We need to make certain all veterans’ lives are remembered, whether with prayers of thankfulness or fields of poppies blowing in the breeze.

We must not forget.