Last weekend I ventured to North Carolina to attend a Veteran’s Day ceremony. I had been invited by a good friend, Warren Dupree, to come to Cherokee. Warren and I crossed paths via phone about 2 – 1/2 years ago and met for the first time during the 4th of July Parade in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Warren, a vet of the Vietnam era, and I discovered that we had both served with the Screaming Eagles and a kinship started right away. I felt privileged to be invited to this memorable event.
There were some of my heroes of World War II in attendance. Among them was Mr. Robert Youngdeer. Robert Youngdeer had been a member of the famed Carlson’s Raiders as a Marine and was wounded at Guadalcanal. He went on to become Principal Chief at Cherokee. The patriotic and faith inspired ceremony was concluded with a wreath presentation and the playing of Taps to honor the fallen. Please enjoy the u – tube video that captures the closing.
To all who have served I say a heart felt thank you.