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| Parade for warriors | ||
| 2006-04-24 | ||
Up to 20,000 people turned out Saturday for a parade to welcome home the [Tennessee] National Guard's 278th Regimental Combat Team, providing a big-city atmosphere powered by small-town values. The rains that had been pelting the region ceased and the clouds gave way to bright sunshine for the two-hour Celebrate Freedom Parade 2006 through downtown Knoxville. "What a great sight this is on the street today," said Gov. Phil Bredesen as he reviewed the 2,500 members of the 278th standing in parade formation wearing their camouflage uniforms. As governor, Bredesen is commander of the Tennessee National Guard. Bredesen said the men and women of the 278th who were deployed to Iraq for a year represent "what is the very best of our state and the very best of our nation." "I thank you for your courage and sacrifices," the governor told the soldiers. "You left as trained citizens and you came back as warriors." As part of the Dogwood Arts Festival, the parade included awarding two battle streamers to the 278th's colors. Ace and I have carried those Colors. It was one of the greatest honors I have ever had. Bredesen; Maj. General Gus Hargett Jr., adjutant general of the Tennessee National Guard; and Col. Dennis Adams, the 278th's commander, attached two new streamers to the regiment's flag. One streamer denoted the regiment's efforts in the global war on terror, and the other was for the team's work during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "I thought it was great," Adams said afterward. "It's the first time since 1918 we've had something of this magnitude." Adams said downtown Knoxville had not seen a military parade such as Saturday's since Gen. Lawrence Davis Tyson marched his troops through the city after World War I. The last time the 278th was awarded a battle streamer was for World War II, Adams said. Officials said the 4,000 soldiers of the 278th stationed along the dangerous northeast border of Iraq captured or killed 550 insurgents. The soldiers encountered 288 improvised explosive devices, with 64 percent located before the objects could deliver fatal blows to soldiers or civilians. The soldiers built or repaired schools, government buildings, wells and mosques during their deployment, which ended for most of the 278th in late October. As 67 parade units filled Gay Street, children squealed with delight at huge helium-filled balloons and adults swelled with pride at the accomplishments of their children or grandchildren in Iraq. There was John Steinhauer, 80, of Hendersonville, Tenn., who cheered on his 24-year-old grandson, Daniel Worsham. Worsham was a senior at the University of Tennessee before he was called to service. "The crowd is magnificent," Steinhauer said. "And they're here because of what they've done. I'm so happy he came home in one piece." But 10 members of the 278th didn't come home alive. For their relatives, special seating off to the side of the review stand was cordoned off. For Gayle Thomas, mother of slain Sgt. Paul Thomason III, the red, white and blue confetti showering the troops from 10-foot high scaffolding along Gay Street brought a proud sadness. Thomason was killed March 20, 2005, by an improvised explosive device. He was Thomas' only son. "I'll never get over it as long as I live," the Sevierville woman said. "I'm just so proud that they did this for those soldiers. They deserve it." Gary Lee Reese Sr., of Ashland City, Tenn., lost his 22-year-old son Sgt. Gary L. Reese Jr. on Aug. 13, 2005, to a similar device. Serving in Iraq, Reese said, provided his son a perspective on life he never would have gained otherwise. "I think the soldiers saw that these people should have the opportunity to have what we have," Reese said. "He stood up for the right thing, and I'm very proud of that," Reese said. He added he rarely saw a picture of his son in Iraq without children surrounding the soldier. "Those little kids who got to know Lee knew he wasn't there to teach them how to strap bombs on. He was there to help them have what he has. "I know his life wasn't wasted because he gave those children an opportunity see who the good guys are and who the bad guys are." I'd really like to see more of this. I'm an Honorary Captain in the Second Squadron, 278th Armoured Cavaly Regiment. I do some PR work for them and participate in the Change of Command Ceremonies. This is a great Unit.
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| Posted by:Deacon Blues |
| #6 It was an impressive parade. I wonder if there will be any overhead shots? FYI: Parade rest + 30mins of politicians talking = Pain. It was worth it, tho. 2000 Soldiers on parade is a lot of bodies. Impressive, too. |
| Posted by: N guard 2006-04-24 23:14 |
| #5 LOL, TFD! Right you are, RWV. Although not a native, I lived in Tennessee long enough to feel at home there more than any place I've ever lived. I remember many areas and families where it was simply assumed that you would join the service and serious disappointment was in order if you didn't. I'd also like to add Alvin York to that honor roll. |
| Posted by: xbalanke 2006-04-24 15:45 |
| #4 This is one of the units we're depending on to seize Memphis and cover our east flank on the way to Madison. |
| Posted by: Task Force Dothan 2006-04-24 13:56 |
| #3 Sea, I hadn't considered that about the quotes around warriors. Knowing how the people of Knoxville and the Knoxville News/Sentinal feel about the 278th I don't they ment anything by the quote marks. They probably aren't familiar with sneer quotes. Thanks for taking them off, though, I don't want anyone mistaking what this article is about. |
| Posted by: Deacon Blues 2006-04-24 13:54 |
| #2 From the earliest days of the Republic, the Volunteer State has sent its sons to war. With this parade the people of Tennesse acknowledge that the men and women of the 278th can proudly take their place in Tennessee's pantheon of warriors next to men like Daniel Boone, Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, and more importantly to them, their fathers, their grandfathers, and their greatgrandfathers. |
| Posted by: RWV 2006-04-24 13:45 |
| #1 What a lovely way for the town to demonstrate that the news organizations have got it so very wrong. I hope pictures of the parade are being sent back to the troops still on the ground. Thank you for your service, warriors of the 278th! |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2006-04-24 12:51 |