Iraq War vets honored in Gettysburg

Ev'n Sun ^ | June 1, 2006 | ASHLEY ADAMS

[stainlessbanner]

They got standing ovations upon arrival at Gateway Gettysburg and again during the parade.

People walked up to shake their hands and say thanks.

But for the wounded soldiers from Washington, D.C.'s Walter Reed Army Medical Center visiting Gettysburg on Monday, fighting in Iraq was just part of their job.

"A lot of the military don't even consider themselves heroes," said Natalie Cobb of West Virginia, whose husband, Steve, was wounded in Iraq. "It's their job."

	Nathan Hart, 3, left, along with his father David and brother Ryan, 6, watch the Hanover Memorial Day Parade as it makes its way down Baltimore Street early Monday morning. The parade ended at Mount Olivet Cemetery, where a special ceremony honored soldiers buried there. (Evening Sun photo by James Robinson) Purchase reprints of Evening Sun photos at www.EveningSunPhotos.com.

About two dozen Iraq War veterans and their families were the guests of honor at Gettysburg's Memorial Day parade. Prior to the annual event, the wounded veterans saw a screening of the new Fields of Freedom movie about the Battle of Gettysburg and toured the battlefield.

Many of the veterans, who came from across the country, had never been to Gettysburg before.

"I love it," said David Yancey, of Mississippi, who saw the area for the first time Monday. "It's real interesting."

Yancey signed up for the Army National

	Evening Sun Photo by James Robinson Sgt. 1st Class Ellis Martin, of Mississippi, takes a picture out the bus window while on a tour of Gettysburg on Monday afternoon. Martin is one of nearly two dozen soldiers being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for injuries sustained in Iraq. The soldiers visited the area as part to take part in several Memorial Day ceremonies. (Evening Sun photo by James Robinson) Purchase reprints of Evening Sun photos at www.EveningSunPhotos.com.

Guard three years ago. He had been in Baghdad for eight months when his convoy was attacked and he was thrown from the vehicle.

Yancey's femur was crushed and he almost lost his right arm.

He has been at Walter Reed for six months. He hopes to be going home in a couple of months.

Yancey doesn't plan to go back overseas. But he enjoyed the reception the wounded soldiers got in Gettysburg.

"It's great," Yancey said. "We get it a lot."

Natalie and Steve Cobb felt a special connection with to the Gettysburg battlefield, although neither had toured it before.

Natalie's aunt is the great-granddaughter of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

"To hear her stories and now actually get to see where it happened brings it to realization for me," Natalie said.

And the connection to the Civil War battle is made that much more special now that her husband is also a veteran, she said.

Steve Cobb, a sergeant, was in Iraq for 10 months when his vehicle was attacked and he suffered a severe brain injury. He has been at Walter Reed for a year. Walking with a cane, he enjoyed the sites of Gettysburg.

The wounded soldiers had a special viewing area to watch the parade wind its way through Gettysburg.

Although the sweltering heat caused the sweat to bead on their foreheads, all had smiles as they shook hands, waved and accepted praise from the many people that lined Baltimore Street.

"It was good they brought us here," Yancey said. "I signed up to serve my country and the appreciation I get is amazing."

[stainlessbanner]

DixieBump

[butternut_squash_bisque]

God Bless our Brave US Military and the Families.

[stand watie]

May Almighty God protect & keep our BRAVE & HONORABLE warriors "in the palm of His hand" & SAFE from all harm.

free dixie,sw

[smug]

Stories like this lift up my spirits. We need more of them.

[MozartLover]

Thank you so much for posting this. It's so nice to hear GOOD news for a change.

[stainlessbanner]

Glad you like the story - it is refreshing to hear positive news!

[MozartLover]

"Good news" ping.:)

[Utah Girl]

Thanks for the ping. (sniff)

[MEG33]

Related news

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1641526/posts

CODEPINK'S MEMORIAL CELEBRATION--IT WAS THE PITS: Walter Reed Week 58, 5/26/06 (Join Us 6/02)
DC Chapter, FRee Republic | May 31, 2006 | Albion Wilde


Posted on 05/31/2006 9:09:17 PM CDT by Albion Wilde



Photos by [Mrs.] Trooprally
Lots of pixels; give this thread time to fully load

[MEG33]

God Bless Them and Heal Them.

[MozartLover]

That's a great thread. The first part had me ROFL.:)

[MEG33]

Loved it!

[MozartLover]

Quite a story, huh?

Our troops are really something....it's great when they are able to get the attention they so richly deserve...

[Utah Girl]

Yes it is. It is amazing how much small acts of kindness make such a big difference.

[Peach]

Finally, our military gets some respect. Thanks for the ping.

[stand watie]

certainly IS!

free dixie,sw

[Albion Wilde]

Hey, just noticed this 3-week-old thread -- mentions our friend Natalie Cobb.