Another Part of Our Past to Disappear

Almost as long as I can remember, the Labor Day telethon has been on TV. Well, folks, that tradition is over.

The MDA telethon kicked off as an annual event in 1966 with Jerry Lewis at the helm as host. My family made it a tradition to watch as much of it as we could stay awake. Even as important as the national show, was the local TV show cutaways.

For a donation, you could get your name announced on the air. Those with large donations, got to stop by the TV station and get on camera to present the check.

The celebrities on the national show were the best in the business. Whether it was an actor, sports figure, musician or a person of some odd talent, you were entertained by the greats. Jerry and his sidekick Ed McMahon kept us glued to the TV set for hours. 21 to be exact, although I don't remember lasting that long for any of the telethons.

It was so exciting to be watching when they revealed the total amount of money raised, beating the previous year's donations, followed by Mr. Lewis singing You'll Never Walk Alone.

Jerry left in 2010, the show was later shortened to 2 hours, and I wondered if that would last much longer. Over the past few years, I even forgot it was on the air. Times have changed, and the show no longer has the attention of it's glory days.

Even so, it's unfortunate to see another important part of what I grew up with, end. Billions have been raised over those many years, and it was for a great cause. You can take comfort in that. Sadly, we will never get to hear Jerry Lewis sing You'll Never Walk Alone one last time.