This is for "TO the First" and the rest of my brothers still out there:
I am here in DC now. You should see it. All the vets began streaming in from all over the country just a couple of days ago. I have not paid for one meal in the last 48 hours (the older guys will not hve it any other way). Vets from Normandy (I am not kidding), Iwo-Jima, Monte Casino, Khe Sahn, Mogadishu ("Mogue"), Chosin Reservoir, Okinawa, Ardennes Forest (Bulge bubbas), Tinian, Ap Bac, Saigon, Carentan (I have always wanted to meet one of these guys), Kuwait, Mindoro, Fallujah, Karbala, Nasiriyah, Mosul, Al Qaim and some more, but I cannot list them all.
The WWII vets are few, but most of them are Native Americans and all came together. The largest group is the Vietnam bubbas, BY FAR. They are the heart and soul of this whole movement. Most of them rode in on their bikes (Harleys). It’s a freakin' "Brothers in Arms" festival. I had no idea we were this big. It’s huge and is giving me goose bumps and a major lump in my throat. It feels like a giant group therapy session paying tribute to the backbone and heart and soul of this nation--the Vets, the gatekeepers, the warriors, and the reason why we are still here. But the most important thing that is buzzing in the air is YOU. All of us are concentrating on honoring those of you still out there, saying "nothing is going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch". Thanks TO and all others.
By far, the coolest thing: Everyone says "Welcome Home". This is like a pilgrimage.
Watch your ass, stay safe and tell the guys on your left and right that we are waiting for you to return. We are doing everything we can to get the rest of you brothers back. Okay? Don’t forget that brother. Please. Hoaah?
God Bless You!
Mike
USMC 1994-2005