MEMORIAL DAY PARADE 2002
Members of VVA Chapter 500 participated in the annual downtown Sacramento Memorial Day Parade. They were joined by the President of the VVA California State Council, Dick Southern. After the parade, following tradition, several members and other Vietnam Vets gathered at the "Bunker" which is actually the Torch Club in downtown Sacramento. The Torch Club is widely known as a place to go to listen to some of the best blues and jazz groups in town perform. But, on the days that there are downtown Veteran events, it becomes the "Bunker". The owner Ron and now his daughter and son-in-law Maureen and Jeff have welcomed Vietnam Vets ever since they started coming home. This Memorial Day, Ron found some banners he had stashed away that the Vets had signed several years ago. The banners were posted on the Torch Club walls. There were a few poignant moments when those present found signatures of their friends that have since passed on.
On the 4th of July each year Chapter 500 travels to Bill's old hometown to march in the community parade. Dutch Flat is a tiny town located in the lower Sierras. It used to be a booming place until the lumber industry moved out. Sitting near the railroad tracks going east, it also used to be the place to go for San Francisco folk and anyone else trying to escape the heat of the summer down the hill. What the town lacks in size it more than makes up for in community spirit. Many of the homes are all decked out in red, white and blue. Everyone shows up for the parade and the social afterward. Lots of children and community groups, fire and police vehicles join in the parade. It even goes around twice. Chapter 500 members definitely get their exercise going up and down the hills.
On May 27th, the "Moving Wall" came to Lodi, California. Danny Stanley of Cherokee Memorial Park planned this event for nearly five years and it was well worth it. The display area for the Wall was set up beautifully. On May 28th, a "Reading of the Names" of the California Vietnam Veterans killed in Vietnam took place. VVA Chapter 500's color guard posted the colors for the day. Mary Lou McNeill, AVVA member coordinated the "Reading". The Wall was in place until May giving ample opportunity for members of the community to visit. Many veterans, family members and members of the community expressed their gratitude to Cherokee and all participants for bringing the Wall to their area. Many have never seen the original memorial in Washington, D.C. Chapter 500 was also honored to receive some granite plaques that will be engraved into memorials for three members who have passed on. Mrs. McNeill also received a commemorative statue of an eagle for her efforts.
Click on each picture to see the "Moving Wall" from beginning to end.
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