Hey! Whose the pudgy guy without a flag?
As the sun sets, the veterans will be bedding down at the Veterans' Hall in Falfurrias. This representative as with many of the veterans are all feeling our limitations. For most of us it is age. I am 46 years old and my walking companion who served in Vietnam is 55. Many of the veterans are older than that. I must say that I am quite impressed with their stamina. Most of my friends back home would have passed out hours ago.
We did have a couple of young Iraq veterans who participated. They were very energetic, one even had a full pack he was carrying. I did have a young child walk with us. Here is a photo I took of him. He also took the photo above this one. I was very impressed. He knew exactly why we were walking and wanted to finish.
At this point, I am having a hard time feeling my feet except for the blisters on my feet. It feels like I'm walking on stumps. One thing I have to admire about these guys is that they don't stop for breaks. It is just a walk, walk, walk situation. The one time I slowed down for a drink, my legs "froze-up."
Tonight I am taking me one long, warm bath. My legs are so gone I could probably put them in ice buckets and not feel a thing. This pilgrimage thing is rough. I am having a hard time feeling bad however because men much older than myself are holding up very well.
I have to remember that these men and women were expected to give 100% to their country when they were called to serve. Now it is our turn, our government's turn to give them 100% when they are needed most, caring for these soldiers when they are ill or in need of medical care.
My father, grand-father, great-grandfather all served in military of this country. I was fortunate in that the Vietnam War and its draft ended before I became of age. A few sore feet is the least I could do for them.
Until tomorrow.
This entry was dictated by phone.
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