WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETS
WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETS
Bill Stanton from my hometown of Shelby Ohio. A town of around 9,000 people, had been talking to some Vietnam Veterans after his brother-in law passed away. His brother in law was a veteran. Their stories touched Bill's heart, and this gave birth to an idea and his idea began to grow.
Bill decided that it was a disgrace how these Vets were treated when they got home. So he decided to make a difference. He decided about one month ago that there should be a parade. He printed flyers, made some announcements, and people volunteered to help Bill with this dream. Thousands of flyers were posted. and we sent out emails, and made telephone calls, calls to vet organizations, to rest homes, to individuals, to the Department of Defense, to the state of Ohio, and on and on and the dream grew.
On Saturday Nov 7, 2009 on a beautiful sunny day. Bills dream came true. Shelby Ohio this little small town had a parade. A WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS PARADE. Every county in Ohio was represented, and some from Indiana, Michigan West Virginia Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Nearly 4000 Veterans marched, 350 Nam Vet motorcycle riders, floats, old Army Jeeps, trucks and combat equipment, bands, boy scouts, teenagers various civic groups, The U. S. Defense Department gave permission and sent two F-16 jets to do a fly over tipping there wings. The streets were lined with flag waving sign carrying people. Nearly 13000 in all showed up to line the streets and say We love you, we respect you, we salute your service to our country. We have not forgotten you. WELCOME HOME !!!
Yes, there were shouts that rang out. And smiles, and waves and kisses were thrown, there were flags, and people saluting, hands over hearts, and yes there were many tears from the Vets and from the crowd.
I stood there with my sign held high, with the name of a childhood friend, He will forever remain 19 years old in my heart and mind. There have been many times that I have thought of him over these years gone by. And thoughts of what life would have been like if he had come home. I am proud of you Jackie, 1950-1969, you are still loved and remembered fondly.
I found some closure yesterday, as I stood with tears rolling down my cheeks and throwing my kisses and shouting WELCOME HOME until my voice was horse and raspy, Yes there were many tears. But I can say. one thing there were no Jeers.!
God Bless you Veterans from each and every era, combat and support, Thank you for your Service. Without you there would be no freedom. !!!
Sue Fair Chandler
Bill Stanton from my hometown of Shelby Ohio. A town of around 9,000 people, had been talking to some Vietnam Veterans after his brother-in law passed away. His brother in law was a veteran. Their stories touched Bill's heart, and this gave birth to an idea and his idea began to grow.
Bill decided that it was a disgrace how these Vets were treated when they got home. So he decided to make a difference. He decided about one month ago that there should be a parade. He printed flyers, made some announcements, and people volunteered to help Bill with this dream. Thousands of flyers were posted. and we sent out emails, and made telephone calls, calls to vet organizations, to rest homes, to individuals, to the Department of Defense, to the state of Ohio, and on and on and the dream grew.
On Saturday Nov 7, 2009 on a beautiful sunny day. Bills dream came true. Shelby Ohio this little small town had a parade. A WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS PARADE. Every county in Ohio was represented, and some from Indiana, Michigan West Virginia Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Nearly 4000 Veterans marched, 350 Nam Vet motorcycle riders, floats, old Army Jeeps, trucks and combat equipment, bands, boy scouts, teenagers various civic groups, The U. S. Defense Department gave permission and sent two F-16 jets to do a fly over tipping there wings. The streets were lined with flag waving sign carrying people. Nearly 13000 in all showed up to line the streets and say We love you, we respect you, we salute your service to our country. We have not forgotten you. WELCOME HOME !!!
Yes, there were shouts that rang out. And smiles, and waves and kisses were thrown, there were flags, and people saluting, hands over hearts, and yes there were many tears from the Vets and from the crowd.
I stood there with my sign held high, with the name of a childhood friend, He will forever remain 19 years old in my heart and mind. There have been many times that I have thought of him over these years gone by. And thoughts of what life would have been like if he had come home. I am proud of you Jackie, 1950-1969, you are still loved and remembered fondly.
I found some closure yesterday, as I stood with tears rolling down my cheeks and throwing my kisses and shouting WELCOME HOME until my voice was horse and raspy, Yes there were many tears. But I can say. one thing there were no Jeers.!
God Bless you Veterans from each and every era, combat and support, Thank you for your Service. Without you there would be no freedom. !!!
Sue Fair Chandler
