Memorial Day was special for lots of reasons this year, but participating in yet another Soldiers’ Angels activity gave it that extra bit of shine.
I’d mentioned in a previous post that Soldiers’ Angels would be handing out small American flags to spectators at the Memorial Day parade in downtown DC. Prior to the day, the flags had been sent out around the country so that people all over could write a note to parade spectators or to our troops… Ok, so the idea really was to write to the spectators to say “hey, thanks for waving this flag for me”, but who minds that people all over opted to shout out to our men and women in uniform instead? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
I joined about 20 other volunteers who spread out along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Avenues to give away the flags. There were about 10,000 flags, and can I just say that we had no problem giving them all away? I kept swiping extra flags from a volunteer across the street who got started later – but we quickly went through his supply, too! People were really pleased to get them – I mean REALLY pleased - which warmed my heart.
I always enjoy a parade – I like marching bands! - but getting the chance to show appreciation to our vets from every war since WWI really is special. I also got to meet some other Angels, including one civilian recently back from Baghdad with a Marine brother off on another tour soon, and a soldier and her young son. This soldier/mom will be off on her first tour starting this summer. Needless to say, we’ll be keeping track of her so we can send a little Angel cheer her way.
It was a really great day.
I’d mentioned in a previous post that Soldiers’ Angels would be handing out small American flags to spectators at the Memorial Day parade in downtown DC. Prior to the day, the flags had been sent out around the country so that people all over could write a note to parade spectators or to our troops… Ok, so the idea really was to write to the spectators to say “hey, thanks for waving this flag for me”, but who minds that people all over opted to shout out to our men and women in uniform instead? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
I joined about 20 other volunteers who spread out along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Avenues to give away the flags. There were about 10,000 flags, and can I just say that we had no problem giving them all away? I kept swiping extra flags from a volunteer across the street who got started later – but we quickly went through his supply, too! People were really pleased to get them – I mean REALLY pleased - which warmed my heart.
I always enjoy a parade – I like marching bands! - but getting the chance to show appreciation to our vets from every war since WWI really is special. I also got to meet some other Angels, including one civilian recently back from Baghdad with a Marine brother off on another tour soon, and a soldier and her young son. This soldier/mom will be off on her first tour starting this summer. Needless to say, we’ll be keeping track of her so we can send a little Angel cheer her way.
It was a really great day.
1 comment:
Hi Lisa!
The Memorial Day parade sounded really enjoyable but also emotional. The pictures of the flags was a really nice touch.
Thank you for letting me experience SA-east coast style vicariously through you. I couldn't attend this event so you brought the event to me. :) I really appreciated it.
This is an excellent blog!
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