OK...after more than three years of on again-off again planning the start date came roaring in on me like one of those famous Oklahoma tornados. No matter how early you start, how effectively you plan and how diligent you are, there are always those things that absolutely, positively can't be done till the last minute.
That last minute finally ended about 8am yesterday morning, May 31, 2013. Put the last of my stuff into the back of the car and drove away. Guess, in the back of my mind I had always thought there would be a sendoff...a group gathered to see me off...a motorcade or motorcycle escort for a few miles to begin, that kind of thing. I just drove away.
Then the thought really hit me. Why did I deserve anything special? I hadn't done anything yet. Sure, I've visited about 60 memorials in my spare time while traveling, and I've done an alpha and a beta test of the concept, but anyone can hit the road for a week or so at a time. Knowing I won't be home for a whole year is definitely a challenge.
Packing became an art form...down to toenail clippers, an extra bar of soap and other sundries that most people usually leave home when traveling. No travel sized shampoos, etc. The regular bottles are much more economical AND won't have to go through airport security along the way...lol. But it all takes SO MUCH ROOM.
Fast forward about three hours and I am at my first official stop, Sidney, Nebraska. The GPS on my new tablet leads me right to the memorial park. I arrive to find that it is not strictly a Vietnam Veterans memorial but one memorializing the passage of local citizens of several conflicts, all of them addressed separately. I found the one dedicated to Vietnam and started taking photos. While many memorials have repetitive features, this was extremely original in concept. You can see the photos on my face book page at Vietnam Veterans memorial Tour, and I hope you do. Did my prayer, soaked in the aura of the site and left.
I made a pit stop in North Platte only to find another memorial, unexpectedly, right across from the gas station I stopped in…more of a generic memorial to all campaigns, there were unexpected and original memorials to the North Platte GI Canteen and the women who helped support the approximately 6 million military who passed through the Canteen in the day. Another prayer treatment and on my way to Kearney.
Arrived at the VFW Post in Kearney about 4:30pm and met with Jim Lutz the post Commander. The post had graciously offered to host me that evening. After some get to know you time, he and I got into another post member's jeep and headed to the local Vietnam memorial in Apollo Park…a small, simple stone with a brass plaque in front of a flagpole No flag flying, not much maintenance visible on or around the memorial but it is still hallowed ground as far as I am concerned. I'm sure someone will get around to cleaning the marble and shining the brass one of these days.
Back to the post, down to my hotel room for the night, a good night's sleep and up, bright eyed and ready for day 2, visits to Lincoln, Nebraska and Junction City KS. Stay tuned.
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