Once again, congratulations were well earned by the Montgomery County Arts Council and their dedicated ensemble of Hill Fire players. This year’s cast of delightful children, nervous newbies, and seasoned veterans came together to bring a collage of stories and characters from early twentieth-century Winona to life. In the twenty-first production of the folk life play, appropriately named “A Mother’s Heart”, we walked into the lives of three local families and followed as the matriarchs deal with tragedy and triumph during World War I.
We watched a happy and patriotic village become devastated by the news of war a world away that they didn’t expect or understand. Young men, boys really, responding to Uncle Sam’s call and eagerly joining the fight to preserve their country’s freedom and the way of life they had always known. Families saying goodbye to sons, not knowing if they would ever see each other again. Back home, a community of common folks adapting and doing all they could to support the troops and keep the home fires burning. And eventually, with fewer young men returning than they had sent, finding the courage to strive on through faith and with a prayer that their sons did not die in vain.
Yes, this is a story right out of our community. But it was played out in homes and little towns all over this great country that we are blessed to call “home”. A story of tragedy and celebration. Such is life. Sometimes we look around and it seems that virtues like dedication, pride, loyalty and patriotism have slipped away. It is good that we remember where we came from. We applaud the Montgomery County Arts Council and all those who cared enough to work hard, sacrifice personal time, and dedicate themselves to “A Mother’s Heart”.
If you failed to see this show, you will have another chance in March 2025. Make plans to see it. You won’t be disappointed.
