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2021 Vietnam Vets Moving Wall by Valgal and Miserable George

What a great day! Seeing all the Patriots of this Great country get together year after year to pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought and STILL fight for our country is something that will always be close to my heart…

Our hearts go out to the men and women still fighting our battles… Sad to see most of them are here in our own country… Please take an extra second out of your day to send up a prayer for all of them…

I hope you like our coverage of the wall this year… My favorite part, when the helicopters make a bow to the Wall, never happened this year… I love all of you out there so make sure to say HI and give a wave or hug to someone you love today…

ENJOY! Valgal

Georges Pics

Valgal’s pix

Vietnam Moving Wall -THE REUNION…2018 by Miserable George

It’s a happy time, in that vets from all over the country come together again, get re-acquainted, share old times…the good and , I guess, the bad too, but,

it’s a sad time too, when you realize that there are enough names on that Wall to populate a small city

…names that represent men and women who died in service of their country…died, so that we could go on living, and now, be able to pay tribute to those heros!!

A spritz of rain did little to dampen the spirits of the huge crowd that poured into Wickham Park on Sat., April 21, 2018, to partake of the joys of a reunion of such a close-knit group of fighting men and women!!

As always, the Massing of the Colors was a very inspirational event, followed by the playing of the National Anthem by a U.S.Army Bugler , with the American flag flying overhead…kinda brought tears to this old boy’s eyes. This year, 4 choppers came into the Landing Zone…very impressive indeed!!! After the landing,

I made my way over to the Wall area…very inspiring to see the Sea Cadets walking Guard Duty!! Also, a group of Sea Cadets traversing the area, saluted every Vet they passed…looked like a group of truly dedicated young people!

The War Dogs were also remembered at several shrines!

Many mementos had been laid at the base of the Wall near names of loved ones lost. Many shrines in the area, including one for persons lost in the desert wars still going on.

Several locations there too, for Vets who needed guidance and/or help with PTSD, or other problems. Some very interesting displays of combat equipment as well.

Made my way to the Post #81’s food tent…Val and I got a fantastic meal at a good price. Checked out a lot of the vendor spots too, as we approached the chopper area, to watch the take-offs and their salute to the Wall, as they flew low over the lake near the Wall area…very touching indeed!! This pretty well brought my day to a close…a somewhat tiring but happy day.

May GOD bless all our military people, and bring them home safe.

Our thanks to all who made this event a truly enjoyable one…Doc…you’re #1 in my book!!! Ride safe, and stand up for your country…

Miserable George & ValGal

George’s Pics

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Val’s Pics

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Moving Wall Escort…2018 by Miserable George

  I can’t state officially, but, I was told, that this year’s Moving Wall Escort event had set a record for motorcycles accompanying the Wall from BCC down to Wickham Park in Melbourne, Fl. Yes folks, despite a looming threat of bad weather, the

bikers turned out in droves to show their patriotism

by crowding into the BCC grounds on Clearlake Rd. in Cocoa, and on down US#1 to the setting up point in Wickham Park. This year…there were NO mishaps, mainly through the efforts of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Dept., who before getting underway, enlightened the crowd in so far as safety on the road goes, and, it paid!! It was a very orderly column…no big gaps, no clowning around…they were there to show their  respect for all the men and women whose names are on that Moving Wall!!! Although we didn’t ride in the column, ValGal and I were proud to do our part by photographing the entire event. Setting up the WALL began as soon as the truck arrived at the park, and there were refreshments for the people who helped. Over in the stage area, Doc Holiday was doing HIS thing, there was free adult refreshments, and the Scouts were selling food as well. Stands were being set up…all in preparation for the big week ahead. Stay tuned with Old School Biker for the big gathering on Sat…Thanks to all for your support and to all the Law Enforcement for a job well done!!!! Ride safe, and…stand up for your country…

Miserable George & ValGal

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Vietnam Vets Wall Reunion 2017

Saturday, May 6th, 2017 was the 30th Vietnam and All Vets Reunion at Wickham Park, Melbourne, Fl.

Val and I got there just before the Massing of the Colors…always a very inspirational ceremony, made up of many of the local vets groups, clubs, and Legion groups…some of the participants were too young to have experienced war, and let’s pray that they never have to.

After all the groups marched in and assembled in the grassy area just in front of the main stage, there was a prayer, singing of our National Anthem, and the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. Flag.

Two combat choppers landed in the LZ just across from the main stage to the rear…that really attracted a lot of attention!!

By now, the scores of vendors in the main area were doing what looked like a pretty brisk business, both for food, drinks, and a huge array of military gear…pins, shirts, caps, etc.

We strolled over to the Wall area, and took in several of the military displays set up there. One was a tribute to all of the Service Dogs that served and were killed in combat…I had no idea there were so many…!!

Lots of people were tracing names from the Wall onto sheets of paper, while some knelt in silent prayer by the name of a loved one lost in the conflict.

A very moving environment at the Wall, for sure. Walking back to the stage area, we witnessed a Huey Chopper hovering over the pond near the Wall. My guess is, he was paying tribute to the men remembered on the Wall…Valerie cried at that one…

After that, we grabbed a bite to eat, and called it a day. Thanks to everyone who helped organize this 30th. Reunion, to the entertainers, the bands…AND…Doc Holiday!!! A very entertaining, and inspirational day…God Bless America…

Miserable and ValGal

Traveling Memorial Wall Escort 2017

Watch this Huey take a bow to the Wall in this Video!

“Whup-whup-whup-whup…Thousands of American troops in faraway places have thanked the Almighty when they heard that familiar sound. It meant help was on the way, and as it grew louder and came closer, even when the  chopper tilted down and blew dust or rain or razor grass into their faces, they welcomed it.” – Ernest B. Furgurson  SMITHSONIAN.COM

George’s Pics

ValGal’s Pic’s

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Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Escort 2017

As Val and I approached the assembly area for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Escort event of April 30, 2017, at BCC  on Clearlake Rd., we could readily see just how large an event this was gonna be!!

Motorcycles were streaming onto the grounds steadily the whole time we were there! Police officers from several local communities were there to assure a smooth running exodus from the BCC Grounds, south on U.S.#1, to the Wall site at Wickham Park, in Melbourne, Fl.

Just after Val and I left to secure our photo shooting spot at Pineda Crossing Bridge, the huge column began its swift, steady, well managed journey to Wickham Park. I’m told that there were  851 machines in the actual column!! It seemed like a lot more, as it took about 30 minutes or so to pass our photo spot!!

Upon arrival at the park, work immediately began on the setting up of the iconic structure, but, with the many hands offering help, the task was completed in record time. Cold drinks were served, as well as  food for all the helpers. Now, would begin a solid week of patriotic activities at the Park. A big THANK YOU to all who helped…without your help, this event could not take place. GOD bless America!!

Miserable George

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Website: http://www.travelingwall.us/

 

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Val’s pics

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