This is the second Troop Rally since DH passed away… this adds a new dimension to it for me. I am so grateful to our good friend Mark who is now my official partner in not great rally photography…but is second to none in gratitude and admiration for our military. DH was so proud to have served in the Navy and to raise his hand when the vets in the crowd are asked to raise theirs…something they did before. I know he was there in spirit..
How the day started…Lil’ G supporting the Troops.
I’m ashamed…we were late and missed the Welcome Home, but in time to see the parade to the Square from Gateway.
Rally organizer, John Kikol in the middle of Ontario.
The parade enters the quadrant…
The Celtic Eagle Pipe Band
I just asked Mark if he had ever seen a lady piper when they stopped right in front of us…
…question answered…lady piper…
…lady drummer!
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl we can’t forget him.
Moses Cleveland and Patriots
Another view of the crowd.
The Rally began with the Presentation of the Flag Color Guards from Strongsville VFW Post 3345, Joint Veteran Honor Guard and 3/25 Marines. Monica Robins from WKYC sang the National Anthem again…and all I can say…again…is WOW, DH never got video of her singing and now I am so sorry because I can’t find anything on youtube. Next was the Invocation from Rev. Rich Bartley, Chaplain of the Great Lakes Blue Knights .
John “KIKS” Kikol, Rally Organizer
Lt. Col. Michael P Hubbard, 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment, Brookpark
Frank DeLorenzo, founder of Wags 4 Warriors (OIF and OED veteran)
Pam Hays, Founder/President of The Arms Forces (help for vets with TBI and PTSD) Chairperson of Ohio National Guard TBI Workgroup
Next was Nikki Mendicino, Veteran Advocate from Pittsburgh. Recipient of PA Medal of Commendation for her work with the veterans and a student at George Mason University.
Blue Star brother, Josh White. Brother of Army 1st Lt. Ashley White Stumpf KIA 10/22/11
Kathie McPheron, Vice President of Ohio Chapter 26 Blue Star Mothers
Gold Star father Kevin Hall. Father of Marine Cpl. Eric Hall and PTSD advocate from Louisville, KY
Tom Mitchell of Honor and Remember Flags presented flags to the Boskovitch and Nowacki families.
Reading of the names of Ohio’s Fallen Heroes
21 Gun Salute
And…while the reading of the Heroes names was solemn…I couldn’t resist ending the morning on a happier note by asking Tim Daley, Executive Director of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, to stand for a photo with me for a very special Soldier from a southern state 🙂
The Damn Yankees say THANK YOU!
Love and Semper gratis,
Mom
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