SURFING WITH JESUS
Pastor Gene A. Dasher, Sr.
Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com
#80604202013
WECOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS
April 16, 2013, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
This week my wife and I took a journey to
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for this special event of “Welcome Home Vietnam.” In
1966 we took our first journey having been newlyweds in 1965 as we said goodbye
for a year at the Chattanooga, TN airport as I took my first plane ride on my
way to Viet Nam.
It still brings back cold chills and tears as
I watched my precious wife in tears as I flew away. On April 24 we will have
taken journeys together for 48 years and we are thankful God have blessed us
and been with us all the way.
US Tours brought this idea to us and we
celebrated together with other Vietnam Veterans remembering our youthful days.
A handful could still get into their uniforms but most of us haven’t been able
to in a long time. Some notes from a post by our State President put it this
way.
“A special thank you to Chapter 979
for an exemplary performance of Color Guard duties at Welcome
Home Vietnam - at the Dixie Stampede, Opening Ceremonies and for the
Parade.
Vietnam veterans from 28 states descended on
Pigeon Forge for a Welcome Home a long-time in coming. It was great to
see such a strong representation from Chapters 203, 240, 596, 741, 875, 953,
979, 995, 1004, 1015 and 1073…
Commissioner Grinder delivered remarks that
had us all teary-eyed. Her contributions to the entire event/parade
were, as usual, most appreciated…
Adrian "Goooooooooooooood Morning
Vietnam" Cronauer was a special treat for us all and he went out of his
way to spend time with as many as he could. Delivered special remarks at
the opening ceremonies, served as co-Grand Marshal of the Parade…
Pat Gualtieri, of the United War Veterans
Council (and VVA member) and organizer of the huge New York City Veterans
Parade also spoke to us and he presented the TSC the honor of
accepting a flag that had flown over the World Trade Center.
All of this would not have been possible
without the initial idea, professionalism,
enthusiasm and coordination by Bob Cline, Rita Ritenour and the rest
of the staff of US Tours. I can't thank them enough. Plans are
already in the works for an even bigger event next year.”
What a wonderful parade, people smiled,
cried, waved and gave cheers to welcome us home. Chapter 596 Cleveland
Tennessee is thankful to Jerry Goodner for taking us on his boat as our float.
As we went down the street there stood that
precious soul mate and sweetheart cheering her heart out as we passed by. Wow!
She’s even prettier today than she was in 1966 but this time it was joy running
in our veins as we spotted each other.
Why would I take one of my Surfing with Jesus
writings to tell you about this story? Well, it’s because I am so thankful God
have allowed me to be alive and tell you about his love and his care for me. I
came home, I live, and I want everyone to know we gave part of our life for you
to have the freedom you have today.
Hey, guess what? We had no tomatoes, or
rotten potatoes thrown at us. We had no yells of baby killer, we had no one
shun us, we were WELOME from one and all and for this we are thankful to you
the people that took the time on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon to welcome us
home. God bless you and God bless the USA.
The same Jesus I took with me to Vietnam and
the same Jesus I have in my heart today wants to welcome you home too. Use the
scripture below to reach out to him today. He awaits your return, welcome home.
REMEMBER
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
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