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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND


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Continuing Volunteer & Support Efforts

WASHINGTON, DC. – Since 1997, Susie has participated in Rolling Thunder®, the annual motorcycle "rally" that demonstrates support for our POW/MIAs and wounded and active-duty troops.  Although she has been in Washington, DC every year this is the first year that she has ridden in the parade.  And in her "un"conversative fashion, Susie rode on the back of a Boss Hoss with her good friend and colleague, Laura.  It was also the first time Laura had been in the parade. 

"The emotion that you feel when you come over the crest onto the Memorial Bridge is indescribable," Susie said. "I was waving like crazy with tears in my eyes and a huge smile on my face, when someone thrust a 3' x 5' POW/MIA flag on a pole into my hand.  I held it high throughout the entire ride.  Just wish I knew who handed it to me so I could thank them."  That flag is now displayed in her home. 

Susie and Laura cross the Memorial Bridge

SSGT Tim Chambers holds salute during the entire Rolling Thunder® XX parade. Susie returns salute.

Approaching the Capitol Building on Constitution Avenue.

There are veterans from all wars and from all over the world that come to Rolling Thunder® each year.  In 2006, Susie was contacted by a couple of fellows from Scotland, Skip and Mac, and by the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.  Susie communicated with both groups during the months prior to Rolling Thunder® and guided in the right direction for accommodations, restaurant recommendations, and yes, even bike rentals!  Skip and Mac proudly rode with the group from Patriot Harley Davidson out of Fairfax, Virginia.  They are already making plans on coming back next year.  "We've made great friends here and this trip has made a huge impact on my life", said Skip.

Skip and Mac enjoying time with new friends.

On May 26, Susie met Bob Elsworthy and his friends from Australian at the east end of the Vietnam Wall.  Susie was a bit overwhelmed at their graciousness and enthusiasm of meeting her.  Each veteran had their picture taken with Susie and they presented her with a plaque from the VVAA and Bob gave her one of his combat pins from Vietnam.  "Speechless doesn't even begin to describe it", Susie said. "As Bob put it, if the veterans of Vietnam had been received as well as Susie received the "internationals" this year, we wouldn't have half of the issues that we have today."