the traveling wall

So, if the week wasn't busy enough.... we had the chance to go and see the "traveling wall".. which is a 1/3 scale of the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC. This particular wall is going to be retired very soon, so this will be it's last visit here. The wall was set up in the Cabela's parking area, so Linda was asked to have some of the service puppies there as part of the ceremonies and to also be "comfort" to any of the folks who were coming to visit. 

The real wall in Washington is very impressive, and we visited it just a couple of years ago, when we went down for the wreaths Across America.  This wall is just about as nice and I love the way it was set up. 

It certainly touched the hearts of many people... I don't know how many came to see it, but I would have to guess a couple thousand anyways.....

It was nice to see one of the "wreath" trucks... which I dare say we'll see again in December. We're hoping to make another trip down with the wreaths this year.... time will tell.....

I had Danny with me, of course, but what was really cool was.. I had Rylie with me when we visited Washington... and since Rylie and Danny are half siblings... I wanted to "re-create" this photo.... 

We brought Abbie along and tried as best we could (to a four year old) explain what it was all about. Ed found the name of a young man that our family knew, and showed Abbie how to do a "rubbing" of his name. She was very interested and good, and I think she really tried to understand what this was all about. 

We haven't had any rain all week, and wouldn't you know, we had to deal with some today. But Linda just set up a nice tent and had all kinds of information about the service dogs to share. Getting the word out to our veterans about service dogs is important.. many didn't even know that much about them, so we handled out all kinds of literature. 

For anyone who lives around here, these ladies will look familiar... They are called the Freeport Flag Ladies... and every Tuesday... rain, shine, heat, cold.. no matter what, they stand together and hold the flag for all to see. I'm not sure how long they have done this.. I think they started just after 9/11... but they have not missed one Tuesday since.. and have become a bit famous because of it. So, we just had to have a photo of the service puppies and the ladies.....

Danny had a grand time meeting and greeting all the folks......

He certainly knows how to 'work the crowd".....

nice to see so many people, taking the time to come out and see the wall. So much work went into just getting it here, never mind all the set up, manning it and the like........

I have to say, though, the day did get be rather long. There were many speeches made, lots of people to talk with... and these two... just wore out in the end....

Danny and Otis... showing their love and support.....

This veteran really took a shine to Danny. He didn't know about service dogs, and said "if I could have this dog , I would have one in a minute"  sadly it doesn't work like that, but who knows... maybe Danny placed a little "seed" in his heart.......

It was quite a day.... one I will remember for a long time.....

Since the 4th was a little rainy... the folks around the lake decided to post pone the boat parade until Sunday (the 4th being a Friday). Bright and early in the morning they began to line up......

Abbie, the doggies and I all went down on the dock to watch the parade and wave to all the boats that joined in......

(I think Livy was happy to know I wasn't taking her there to swim....)

It was a fun parade... I think I counted 30 boats... some were decorated, and other were just there to join the fun.....


(don't know if this is a good thing or not.......)

It was such a pretty day... but a bit sad too... because this wonderful week has come to a close. I'm hoping we get to spend more time up to camp this summer, but the truth is... we have so much lined up.. it's going to be hard to even get back there....

puppy love.... Abbie tells me that Livy had a great time at camp.....












But ol' Silver seemed happy to see us pull up to the farm......