June 17 Brothers Supporting One Another

Today was the day for the Vietnam Veterans' parade down "Shepherd of the Hills" expressway. A distance of 1.7 miles in all. Each of the military units represented would be walking en masse behind a banner displaying their unit of service. They had requested veterans to register in advance and arrangements would be made for those unable to walk the distance would be either carried in "Ducks" (the amphibious tour vehicles you see at lots of locations) or on the top of pontoon boats. Of course, my veteran (who is still moving around on crutches) declared with his usual determination that he was going to "walk" the entire route.

We were picked up from our motor home by Jim and Linda Buckner. We had gotten to know Jim very well when he was a participant on our recent trip to Vietnam. His wife has Lou Gerrig's disease and can barely move around with her walker. Jim was glad to have me be able to drive their car and transport Linda from the guys drop off point, to our viewing point on the parade route, and then to the pick up point for our husbands at the end of the parade route.

When Gary joined his group of 101st Airborne veterans, he was "alone" but I have to report that he was not "alone" as he walked that parade route. In the true camaraderie of veterans, they banded together, stayed with him, helping him to complete this challenge which perhaps they could only completely understand.

As I saw the 101st Airborne group approach from a distance there was a large group of them right behind the banner but then a space before another group approached. Right in the center front of the second group, was my gutsy husband painfully placing his crutches forward and taking one step after another. They were all around his sides, "spotting" to prevent a fall and helping him to continue in a forward motion. It was so moving that I could not help myself but to rush out and hug those around him in gratitude for their support and efforts. Their reply to my thanks was "If it takes all day, we are going to stick with him until he finishes this parade...we won't leave him behind!"

As they moved beyond me, I stood mid-street crying over the emotion of it all. Finally a woman came out and embraced me, then a man touched my arm, he introduced to me a boy about 6 years old by saying "This is my grandson, he wants to give you a hug!"

Oh, God, what a moment. As I turned to return to my chair, the group around expressed their support and admiration.

Gary reported later that each time they were going down an incline, the other vets clasped their hands in front of his body to prevent him by moving down the slope too fast and falling. It was very emotional for him.

After Linda and I battled the traffic and got to the end of the parade route to pick up our guys, Gary was no where to be found. I was concerned but kept telling myself that our cell phone number was on his crutches and that the phone had been on the whole time. I could have been summoned if needed. Finally, I found him riding around in a utility/golf cart type vehicle with a cute, young blonde trying to help him find me.

I was amazed when Gary still had the energy to go out to lunch with Jim, Linda and 4 other friends from our Vietnam trip. The best was yet to come...for the restaurant was right along the parade route and full of people who had watched it. When Gary entered the room on his crutches, they all applauded. At first Gary looked around to see who was causing the commotion but quickly realized from the cheers and smiling faces that he was the object of their recognition. WOW...what an experience!

Next stop was back at the Grand Palace for a ride in a Huey helicopter. Gary was determined that I needed the experience to add to my adventures and better understand his Vietnam experience. I loved it...Linda got to go along and we were both very wind blown by the time it was done.

Then quick back to our motor home to prepare for our "formal" awards ceremony that night. Yuck, we quickly found that the power was out in our motor home which made it even more of a challenge to freshen up, clean up and put on formal attire...yes, Gary wore his newly acquired tux! I settled with a "little black dress" (first dress in a couple years) with a silk Vietnamese jacket over the top. My Vietnamese shopping paid off!

This event was to honor three individuals who have given considerably to support the Vietnam Veterans. Recipients were Bob Hope (his daughter was there to graciously receive it on his behalf), Tony Orlando, and Ross Perot.

Tony Orlando told the story of his hit song "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree" (Did you know that's where the yellow ribbons idea originated ?) and we heard of his USO servicemen benefit performances (first with Bob Hope and then later on his own) and ongoing support of veterans' causes.

We were personally introduced to Ross Perot (by our buddy Jim) on his way into the Grand Palace. He is a very friendly, gracious man. His acceptance speech for the award, included nothing about himself but rather he praised everyone else in the room.

We honored military award winners and surviving POWs. What rousing stories of courage and survival they had to share. We had recently returning Iraq veterans in attendance, as well as current military on their way to Iraq.

Top entertainers from Branson were there to add to the show with a grand patriotic theme. It was wonderful and one of those events you grow weary from standing up every couple minutes because the performance is so very good, the word so very rousing, or the theme so moving and patriotic.

Even if we had only come all this distance just for this Veterans' Welcome Home event, with everything that has evolved out of it, I would have to say it was well worth the trip.

Tomorrow the big "rock concert" at Saddlebrook Mountain...more later.