Vietnam Veterans Honored as Grand Marshals in Troutmen Parade
27 Jun 2008
At this moment, this very moment, feel the essence of your American freedom. The abundance of tranquility and the grace of liberty.
If you have not served in the military, take another intentional moment to acknowledge that we walk among thousands of patriots in Iredell County. Military soldiers who have sacrificed a mindful peace that is only a civilian sanctity. As we take this moment to deeply reflect on our blessings, an awareness should rise to our consciousness and bestow an unabashed spirit of gratitude upon our heroic patriots. For they have loved, supported, and defended America and its interests with devotion. A devotion unparalleled by any other segment of our countrymen.
As we prepare to celebrate another Independence Day anniversary in America - we do, indeed, live in the home of the brave. Our soldiers bravely leave to accept their patriotic duties, surrender the freedoms of civilian life and become bound to the limitations of the military to serve us, their United States of America. In wartime, they leave their beloved families, friends, homeland and take peaceful civilian memories; slivers of sanity for sustenance. When and if they return back to us and their homeland of America, as veterans of war they have sacrificed the purest peace of all. For a war veteran's freedom is forever tainted with the horrific hauntings of wartime tragedies - a heavy burden to carry for the rest of their journey on this earth with us.
Soldiers are not only devotional for the benefit of Americans, but to millions of other people in countries who desire our life of liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And we inherently know that freedom is the natural right of every living soul. Let us remember in this moment of solitude those of us closely aligned with the patriots who have served in the United States military branches of the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Our spouses, children, extended family and friends also serve this country as a very special group of patriots. Often left bewildered with the magnitude of pain and suffering their beloved soldiers have endured, there is an excruciating helplessness that lingers in the years of healing ahead of them all.
Beyond the strife of war, how can we now honor our veterans and thank them for their selfless sacrifices? We can welcome them home! We can look deep into the eyes of a patriot, reach out our hand and express a personal expression of gratitude; say "Thank You!" When a flag is being raised or passes before us, we can stand and salute by placing our right hand over our heart. If we are wearing a cap/hat, remove it to express your genuine reverence. We can seek out a multitude of Veteran services, associations and organizations in Iredell County with room for volunteers to now support, serve and take care of our veterans in various ways.
Meet, see and get to know your Veterans! It was my recent honor to speak with Command Sgt. Major William Gill, USA, Retired. Despite his challenging, patriotic experiences, if given a choice, he would join the Army again. From my prospective, he possesses a courageous heart and seems to have kept many details of his own military service discreet and private as four of his (six) sons joined the Army, Navy and Air Force branches of the military services with their patriotic spirits intact. Command Sgt. Major William Gill served us in the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He expressed his personal wisdom from the Vietnam era in this way, "Vietnam wasted too many American lives in the mountains, rice paddies and souls of the survivors. God Bless all those wounded soldiers and especially those who didn't make it back home."
The 4th Annual Independence Day Parade is sponsored by the Marine Corps League, Detachment #1097. The fireworks display is hosted by the Town of Troutman.
The Marine Corps League encourages float participation from within our communities. Promote your company, organization or group with an inspirational message! Or build a fun float to entertain the audience of all ages that will be lined on the gorgeous greenway in Troutman!
Finish the day with a breathtaking fireworks display at the Iredell County Fairgrounds in Troutman!
Janet Harriman
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