Dear Andy, Ohio Veteran's Memorial Park

Dear Andy, 

How are you? I was worried last week when things started heating up in Kabul. I heard the breaking news at 5:30 am on September 11 when I turned on the TV. I had to get up and log on to the computer and look for where your base is located compared to the trouble. From what I could see, you weren’t near Kabul. I wish it was time for you to come home.

One of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle guys I met in Fairlawn (his name is Spider) contacted me and asked for a copy of my Vietnam Memorial Wall videos for a friend who is a teacher. That was pretty cool. I got a follow up email from him last week.  You probably knew this, but I didn’t. Did you know that there is an Ohio Veterans Memorial Park in Clinton? 

There is a Wall with 3,095 names of Ohioans who died in Vietnam. One of the things I find most interesting about the Vietnam Veterans is that they will not forget. It’s like a huge, extended family – each one of them working to make sure that people remember the sacrifices made in Vietnam until the present time. I also didn’t know that the names are made up of 3094 men and one woman.

Anyway, there is a ride being organized for November 12, a Saturday this year, called “Ride for the 3095.” They hope to get one motorcycle rider for each one of the 3095 names on the wall. In addition, they are promoting this event by asking for a sponsor for each rider. A sponsor would contribute $25 for a flag for a motorcycle rider to carry on the ride. A rider can also sponsor his/her own flag. For people like me who do not ride a motorcycle a $25 sponsor will have their flag carried, and then the flag will belong to the sponsor. 

This link shows the list of names of the troops listed on the Wall that can be chosen from to be sponsored. Their name, rank and branch of service will be on a black flag with a purple heart. This page has a link to see the flag design. 

I am going to sponsor a flag. The proceeds from this fund raising ride will go to the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park to complete the park. I hope a lot of people sponsor a flag. I can't believe that I didn’t know this wall existed. Maybe this ride will make more people aware?

Hurry home, Andy. We miss you. I think it’s about time for the President to bring everyone home, instead of replenishing the troops. Everyone supports the troops. But I think everyone like me is ready for their family members to come home.

I love you, Andy.

Mom