HOLLISTER CA
4TH JULY 2004
THE MOVING WALL
A FIELD OF FLAGS
The Wall
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VISITING THE WALL
REMEMBRANCES
SMALL CEREMONIES
The last flag retired from the site was placed by the family of a man who loved the 4th of July, motorcycles, and The Wall. His death at 62 was a shock to his family and friends. I believe that everyday there are small ceremonies goin' on at the Wall and to honor this man his family our volunteers went one step further. I was honored to be with this group...
VOLUNTEERS
| The story of this Wall has to be the Volunteers and the way so many people stepped forward to do service.
A problem arose when the VFW Commander Charles Scott had major health issues that cut into his ability to organize the Wall. At the last moment, Pat Lampe and Linda Stamatopoulos stepped forward with only 3 weeks of preparation time. The construction of the Wall was achieved only with the help of the Hollister Fire Department. Usually fielding volunteers for most tasks is difficult... The members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church arrived...some with cinnamon rolls. At all times there were people at the Wall to quietly lead people to the correct panel; to help the aged make a rubbing; to answer questions; and to listen. Many people walked up and said "where do you want me" ... Marty McGrath did so... Corki Fielder put in 16 hour days. He and the Gospel Wheels, San Jose Chapter #94, offered counciling, comfort and did Guard duties. At night 3 different motorcycle groups guarded the Wall. Hollister nites surprised me.. Cold evenings with strong winds after a day of hot dry heat. You might notice I'm not mentioning very many people by name that's because we did a lot of hugging and I forgot to write anyone's full name down Just a comment about the stage. Organizers of the Rally placed a rock and roll stage next to the Wall which drastically reduced the tone of the experience. The Wall was physically restricted and the bands were loud. After reviewing the situation, the Hollister Independent Rally committee removed the stage and fencing. I want to thank them for their speedy actions.
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SET UP
TEAR DOWN
Hollister 4th of July Week End
the Stage
The bands were great but the audiences slim...
To the Veteran's who shared stories Thank you. This was for you!!!
| not for place or for rank, but in simple obedience to duty, as they understood it." Confederate Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery |
Darilee Bednar, webmaster www.facesfromthewall.com
written on 7 Jul 2004 with lots of laughter and feelings of gratefulness... Hope everyone's experience was a deep and pleasantly fullfilling as mine...