Veterans Day Team

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Comment by Dawn Ray on November 18, 2011 at 10:51pm

A wonderful time was had by all who participated with our group in the
largest Veterans' Day Parade in the nation!  It was projected to last 2 - 2.5
hours w/ military units (including ROTC), horses, Gold Star & Blue Star
Mothers, politicians, businesses & civic groups, etc.  Before we lauched
into the military precision parade, those in our party experienced powerful
prayer.  The weather was beautiful.  The crowds were plentiful and smiles, waves, words of "Thank you!" - "God bless you!" - "Thank you for your service!" were heard by all.  Ages ran the gamut from pre-school classess to veterans of all ages with hats designating the units with which they served were plentiful.  Cub Scouts & older veterans saluting & even applauding as we passed...  What a blessing the parade was to all of us who participated!  Patriotism & appreciation of our service people is alive and well in Birmingham, AL!  Incidentally, we Rainy Day Patriots were followed by the Rainbow Division - the
most decorated division in WWII!  These parade particpants came from NY, MO, AZ, etc.  They shared that prior to their formation that the divisions were formed by states.  McArthur got the idea to mix it up & hence their name, the
Rainbow Division.  Of course, we had several vets with us.  Our oldest, Mrs.
Nadine Forrester, participated for the 3rd year.  Mrs. Nadine was a nurse with
the 75th Hospital Co. at McCloskey General Army Hospital in Temple Tx in 1944 -1945.  She worked for 12 hours on & 12 hours off, 7 days/week to
accomodate the influx of injured service members.  After prompting for 2 years,
Mrs. Nadine has begun recording her experiences.  Her (now deceased) husband was was severly injured in the war by a hand granade.  Dr. Sarah was previously employed by the DOD.  Rev. Ed Birchfield was formerly with the US Army chaplaincy & had up until our event, never been thanked & honored for his service to our nation.  We owe gratitude to these & to many.  Freedom isn't free!

 

Much thanks to Lynn for supplying most of the vehicles, hay, & the most participants of any single person ever.  Thanks to Claude for helping set up & monitor our push banner & service flags.  Thanks to Mrs. Brown, son, daugher & friend, Ella Mae, Michele, Ann, Charles, &  Deanna for decorating & for being wonderful ambassadors in the community for the Rainy Day Patriots.  Most of all, we are thankful for our guests of honor - Mrs. Nadine,  Dr. Sarah, & Rev Ed!   

 

Please check the RDP webstite soon for photos taken at this year's parade.

Comment by Dawn Ray on November 11, 2011 at 12:22am

Meet Up Site - VFW Post 668 - 1801 11th Ave. N  252-2696

Comment by Dawn Ray on November 10, 2011 at 11:40pm

1. Trailer in place for decorating &/or poster making at 10:30.

2. Road blocked off at 12:30.  Pls be at our site (10th Ave by VFW Post) at 12.

3. Decorated & in place at 12:30.  Parade starts at 1:00 & last 2-2.5 hrs.  It will be a while before we begin moving.

4. Dress warmly in layers, bring food & drink, patriotic decorations, string, rope, zip ties, packing tape, poster making supplies.  It will be a blast!

Lynn 907-4190c   Dawn 482-1747c   Charles 256-324-8328

Comment by Dawn Ray on November 10, 2011 at 9:31pm

Dear Team,

     Unable to post last night for some reason.  So, sent out group mssg to all those listed as team members.  Ran into a # of road blocks.  Will send out an informational update sometime after 9 pm, so pls be on the lookout.  Sorry for the late notice, but it has been particularly difficult to obain some needed information.  It will be a blast!  Dawn 980-1644h 482-1747c  P.S. Charles, thanks for your kind offer.  As with these sorts of activities, have no idea how many will show up.  Hope that some radio personalities will, but although have asked others to pursue such & have not had the time to follow through myself.  If you have such contacts, go for it!

Comment by Charles Prince on November 10, 2011 at 12:34pm

Hello everyone!! I am planning on being there tomorrow to help with the float.  If there is anything I need to bring or have let me know.  I have a lot of markers left over from work I will bring those, but if you can think of anything else feel free to tell me.  It will be great seeing you all tomorrow and getting back into the grove of things.  Later folks. 

PS I was going to get a bag of bisquets for everyone will ten be enough or more.

My Cell is 256 324 8328

Comment by Dawn Ray on November 6, 2011 at 2:30pm

I presume that the last entry was a suggestion that we contact Uncle Spencer.  We've done that & he has a speaking engagement scheduled for that date.  We need to get on his calendar a year out for next year!  It is my understanding that we are still looking for a larger trailer.  Let us know if anyone can help in regards to this.  Incidentally, there are those who are signed up & have written on another RDP Vet Day Parade site.  Will see if the two can be merged???

Comment by Rainy Day Patriots on October 31, 2011 at 8:20am

Uncle Spencer!

Comment by Dawn Ray on October 31, 2011 at 8:16am

Team, we are in need of the following: 1) 16-20 ft trailer, 2) another vehicle (convertible or otherwise), & 3) recommendations of veterans or active duty personnel, incuding National Guard & Reserves to ride in or on our vehicles.  We already have Mrs. Forrester confirmed & have a call out to the RDP oldest veteran.

Comment by Lynn Brown on October 25, 2011 at 7:28pm

Guys time to get ready for this years parade.

Comment by Dawn Ray on May 31, 2011 at 10:28pm

From Three Hots & A Cot's June Newsletter:

June 10^th “Leave No Veteran Behind” – I encourage all of you to attend this event.  It is at the VFW Post 668 in Birmingham.  Call Michele Pellock at 218-2855 for more information.  This is a great opportunity for all of us to get together and learn how our skills and time can best be used for our veterans.

Trot for a Cot and Vinny for Vets – August 27^th is rapidly approaching.  Birmingham Women’s Junior Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event.  Vinny Martel of Vanilla Fudge is giving a benefit concert for our veterans.  We need help with sponsorships and ticket sales.  Sponsorships start at $50 and up.  Ticket sales are $10 for the Trot for a Cot, $20 for the Vinny for Vets Concert and $25 for both. 

For details on these events, go to  www.cotsforvets.org.

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