On Mon., May 25, 2015, the City of Naperville and many, many, many local organizations commemorated Memorial Day together. This day is about remembering and honoring the 1.2 million men and women who have defended our freedoms throughout our history.
First of all, it rained throughout the staging time of the parade. The amazing thing to all of us is that no one left because of the bad weather. When we started marching, the crowd started clapping and thanking us for our service. Personally, I’m always embarrassed when someone says “thanks” to me. I really don’t know how to answer.
My wife told me to say, “It was an honor and I would do it again.” That happened the whole length of the parade route.
As a Vietnam Veteran I will tell you that we weren’t treated very well when we returned from that hell hole. I was called names that I had to look up their meaning. For that very reason the parade in Naperville is so very cathartic for my Vietnam Brothers and me.
I marched at the back of the group of Veterans so I was able to observe the reactions of the Veterans to the crowd. For some it brought peace; for others it was very emotional. For me it brought tears because I remember my team members that I lost.
We Veterans thank you, Naperville, for the support and understanding that you give so willingly to the Veteran community. Sometimes with the craziness going on in our country, we question whether it was all worth it. You have made those sacrifices seem worthwhile in our eyes.
Our members that were out distributing Poppies the week before Memorial Day can’t say enough about the generosity of Naperville residents and their children. I tell everyone that the American Legion and VFW are all-volunteer organizations; therefore, 100 percent of the Poppy funds collected go to helping Veterans and their families.
Every day I think about that famous Chuck Berry quote, “I’M SO GLAD TO BE LIVING IN THE USA!”
