Vets to be saluted SundayBy Travis Henry The Daily Times-Call
LONGMONT - Vietnam veteran Paul Rock and his wife, Valerie, were looking forward to welcoming back their Marine son in San Diego when he returned late last month from fighting in Iraq.
But with only two days' notice prior to his arrival, the Rocks were unable to get to California from their home in Longmont.
Paul Rock began to banter an idea around with his fellow veterans of having a motorcycle ride down Main Street honoring fallen and returning soldiers, including Lance Cpl. Zachary Rock, 19, who spent four months in Iraq and is now back in Longmont.
"All of a sudden, one thing led to another, and I am trying to put on a parade," Paul Rock said.
Rock talked with city officials last week, and this Sunday, veterans will take to Main Street in a show of support for the veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. and will run from Eighth to Third avenues along Main Street.
Rock is still trying to nail down participants for the parade, which will include members of The Vietnam Survivors, a support group of which he is a member.
But planning a parade on short notice is tough work. So Rock turned to someone he knew would help him support the troops - the Pentagon.
On Memorial Day, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced the Operation Tribute to Freedom initiative, "designed to thank the troops, create a stronger bond between the military and citizens, and underscore the fact that the global war on terrorism continues," according to the Department of Defense. The initiative's main job is to help citizens who want to honor troops.
Rock said he sent an e-mail to the Defense Department on June 4 and received a response within 15 minutes.
Military officials are now contacting local military installations trying to line up a military band, color guard unit and speaker to participate in the parade.
Local schools, motorcyclists and Longmont businesses also have expressed interest, Rock said.
All veterans and motorcyclists are welcome to join the parade, Rock said. The staging area will be at Eighth and Coffman. Rock said all participants should arrive by no later than 11 a.m.
Rock said his son hopes the parade won't be about himself, but about all of the military men and women working and fighting in the Middle East.
"He wishes he was back there now," Rock said of his son.
The Defense Department's "Defend America" Web site, www.defendamerica.mil, also has a story about Rock and the Longmont parade.