Veteran's Day 2002

PHOTOS


Washington, DC

Thanks Bob Pries for the great photos.

Click any photo to enlarge

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Here's an update on our Veterans Day activities in DC.

All in all, things went very well in DC. The wreaths weren't delivered as planned, but our friends Pat Hughes (a 4 Star General) and Smitty
(Sgt. ..not General) saved the day by going to the florist's and getting them. 
My daughter Nicole joined us for most of the weekend and on Monday. She was our "offical photographer" on Veterans Day. (Meaning she
was drafted by her DAD!)


 We had about 50 - 55 people join us for the wreath laying... a good turn out considering the rain and the fact that we started about 1 hour late because of the wreath SNAFU. However, it stopped raining just before we started for the Wall and held off until we finished.
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We were joined by Tom Witts and Mrs. Witts ( brother and 89 year old mother of John Witts, 2/47, KIA 4/23/69), and Wanda Burke (widow of Bobby Hamilton, 2/60th, KIA 1/8/68). General's Douglas Smith and Pat Hughes accompanied Tom, Mrs. Witts and Wanda as we
marched/walked/stumbled to the Wall.		 We laid the 2/47th wreath at 26W in honor of John and presented a framed photograph to Tom and Mrs. Witts. Dwight Strickland said a prayer at 26W and Doc Peterson made some remarks and presented the framed photograph to the Witts. Well done Doc and DW!
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  We placed the MRFA wreath at 33E in honor Bobby Hamilton. Doug Smith said a prayer at 33W. All the guys gave Wanda a hug. It was very touching. Thanks Doug for your thoughtful words.  
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  We then laid a third wreath at 41E in honor of a few guys from the 5/60th. Kenny Suderland (sp?) laid the 5/60th wreath and shared his thoughts at 41E. Well done Kenny.  It was a true honor to have Tom, Mrs. Witts and Wanda Burke, as well as many of the guys we served with join us on Veterans Day.
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It was great spending time with the guys and listening to our jokes/laughter about being out in the rain. Some things never change! 

To quote general Smith, "To all who were present and to all who were with us in spirit, thank you for being there for our comrades."

  

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