Hey Lets Give It Up For The Adams Family and Friends

Hey Lets Give It Up For the Adams Family and Friends for an impressive outing over the holidays. Kenny was kind enough to invite The Kelly Family to participate in the Freedom Day Parade in Celina, OH with them. Bethany and Nate helmeted and in uniform, had the privilege of re-enacting the Iwo Jima Flag raising on a float during the parade. They each felt honored to have participated. The photos of them doing it are pretty cool too.

Hey, let's give it up to Seabat for the awesome photos. So many people do so much for the LST in so many ways and I definitely agree with the 325 getting great publicity! There were a lot of 325 Crew T-Shirts and hats visable.

As the assortment of Jeeps, Half-Track and various military vehicles paraded down Main Street to the beach then took their places, parked in a row, near water's edge, the crowd gathered to see the final phase of the parade, the flotilla. Okay it was only three vessels, but where else are ya going to see a family with so many personal military vehicles have their own parade and have Kenny and his "Ugly Duckling" pop out of the water, followed by Tom Price and his LVT Water Buffalo and an LST 325 LCVP beach, then drop its ramp in succession?

The crowd was very appreciative of the impressive display. Just when you thought it was over, the Buffalo drops its ramp and Tom Price drove his Mighty Mite down and out on the beach to the surprise of many. It was a very unique experience. I am thankful to have enjoyed Kenny's family, our other good friends and the Freedom Day Parade and festival.

During the parade, Lindy and I were in the Buffalo. I was seated in the Gunner's Seat when it rose up out of the water and clanked to a halt on the beach. Seated atop the Buffalo between Tom and I was a second wave Marine that beached on Iwo Jima. It was a touching day. Especially so when I saw our children on the Iwo Jima Float under Marion's 1942 LST flag given to him in Normandy, D plus 3, by his Skipper.

Last but not least it was great to CSeabat, Fred, Sandra, Tom, Kenny, Anna and all the other cool people in his family. Thanks for the invite. We would have liked to have stayed longer, but having been on the road for the past two weeks plus, the bed at home sure felt nice and not having to contend with the holiday traffic was a real plus.

Maybe our 4th of July Celebration originated in 1776, but kid you not, the freedom and independence we enjoy dates back to the successful conclusion of WWII. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THANK YOU VETERANS EVERYWHERE!!!!