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September 9, 2010

This morning bright and early I woke up at 430am to interview with Tony Macrini, WNIS. This is a weekly appointment and Tony has been sharing my story ever since I left in June. You can listen online every Thursday morning 730am eastern. http://www.wnis.com/index2.shtml

Following, at 7am, I was able to do that interview that fell thru yesterday with Good Day Sacramento. Great interview and it brought alot of people to the website today. http://gooddaysacramento.com/videolibrary Try searching for Honor and Remember Flag date 9/9.

After the interview we headed to Lompoc for a leisurely 9 hour drive. Arrived safe and in the arms of Debbie and Todd.

Tomorrow: Down day to regroup and prepare for Saturdays event with Dennis Miller.

Blessings, George

September 8, 2010

Yesterday Tom and I scoped out the parking possibilities for the Beast near the capitol. We had talked to the city and highway police and were coming up empty when we discovered some 10 hour parking meters. It was decided that we would try and get into the city very early in the morning and take a couple for the day. I had also scheduled a TV interview with Good Say Sacramento at 7am so the plan was to have them meet us downtown. We left Roseville at 630am hoping to execute the plan. However about 15 other folks had that plan and all of those parking spaces were full. We ended up in a 2 hour spot but you cant feed the meters so we were stuck. Also there was a hostage event this morning and the news crew had to cover it.  So we missed on that for today as well. Yesterday we did run into a meter maid who gave us a phone number for the city parking office and Tom went over and actually talked them into two all day parking passes. (This usually takes 48-72 hours) Our parking worries were over.

At 1030 I had a scheduled meeting with the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, I was very warmly received as Mr Brautigan was well aware of the campaign since last year. He offered his full support and I know he will be influential in any CA legislation. The legislature is out of session right now and it was difficult to find anyone around to meet with. I did make contact with several officials and will plan to meet the Lt Governor later in the week. Also there was a rare moment when I almost had the opportunity to meet the Governor, but due to budget meetings that opportunity dissapeared.

The most important portion of the day was the planned 3pm ceremony at the “All Wars Memorial” in Capitol park. With a combined effort from Terrie, Deborah, The PGR, American Legion and Jeff Denhams office we were able to pull this event together. Approx 30 or so were in attendance including many Gold Star families from the area. It was my distinct honor to share my message here today and with so many who share the pain of loss and understand the mission. Also today as representatives of all CA families and enabling me to explain my benevolent goal, I presented a personalized flag to Tony and Marlynn Gonzales. Their son Cpl. Tony “TJ” Gonzales, U.S. Army, KIA, Sadr City, Iraq, 12/28/08. Tony Sr and I had been sharing emails and had much in common with our sons. It was indeed my honor today.

I try to explain as I meet so many other families, that we are continuously fundraising and working to find sponsors so that everyone may receive a flag. This takes time and goes slow, and I am reaching the immediate families of every generation, so the universe is very large. I hope that everyone will be patient as we move forward, and that those in every state who are willing,  consider donating to bless the gold star families around them. Helping us to fulfill our mission. To be placed on the list to receive a flag please fill out the “personalized flag request form” at this link. https://www.honorandremember.info/forms.php

After the ceremony there was an amazing PGR escort arranged and about 30 bikes led the RV to Roseville for a hot dog social; with all of the families and guests from Capitol Park . We headed to the Veterans hall and were met by the Roseville Motorcycle Police and they joined the escort blocking the street traffic and honoring our journey to the Hall. It was an amazing ride and the smoothest I have ever seen, through miles of traffic and all very humbling as we rolled to this next event. Thanks to all involved especially the PGR and RPD, you guys are dear to my heart.

There was a few minutes of sharing but mostly we wanted everyone to relax and eat! Our time was short and I wish I had had the opportunity to speak longer with each family there.  Albeit short the opportunity to meet and enlarge the family is so important to all of our healing.

Believe it, the night wasn’t over as we headed to Sacramento where the Gold Star families were invited to a River Rats baseball game. By the time we arrived it was pouring rain and most everyone left.. Ha, well at least I got to meet Gold Star dad Mike Anderson, who I have been speaking with about a year. Always a great opportunity to meet people you become friends with over the phone. Thanks so much to Deborah Getz for her care of me over the last few days. Besides opening up her home she worked to be sure information was out and every event went smoothly. Thanks To Terrie Hobson for getting the ball rolling and continuing to arrange my time through California.

Tomorrow: Morning interview and then 9 hours to Lompoc.

Blessings, George

September 7, 2010

Today after some catching up and posting pictures to the gallery, Tom and I went on a reconnaissance mission to the state capitol for location scouting and parking opportunities for tomorrows event. We were also able to give the Beast a much needed washing.

Tomorrow: Morning legislator meetings, Ceremony at 3pm “All Wars Memorial”. 5pm hot dog social.

Blessings, George

September 6, 2010

Arrived after an all night flight and little sleep in Sacramento. Deborah was kind enough to pick me up and we headed straight to the glass shop to pick up the finished RV. The windshield had been repaired and I had forgotten what it was like to see through a clear window.

The Vietnam traveling wall was in Roseville for a week and today was the closing ceremony. I was privileged to attend and meet some of the wonderful veterans in this town and also to be able to get rubbings for many of the Vietnam Gold Star  mothers that I know.  The ceremony was very moving and memorable and I hope that in its travels the wall impacts many across the land.

At the ceremony I met Gold Star dad Tom Ballard and he has signed on to help me and Deborah this week in many of the upcoming events. Tom is a welcome hand in the many elements of the next few days.

Tomorrow: Errand catchup and reconnaissance.

Blessings, George

September 5, 2010

This will be my last morning in Honolulu. Each phase of the journey seems to end much quicker than I would like. However this leg has been a wonderful blessing. Today I visited a local church and was able to share the spiritual side of my vision and also present a personalized flag to the family of Deyson Cariago.  The Kahu (pastor) and congregation warmly welcomed me and allowed a beautiful moment of tribute to the family.  Sundays are especially meaningful to me when I am allowed the opportunity to share in a forum such as this.

Following church we attended Marks son’s baseball game for a short time then headed to a song recital.  The recital was very surprising to me because it was actually a Karaoke recital. Adults who had taken lessons and were singing popular songs. before the recital Maj Takai and I were recognized by the organizers and i was introduced to the audience and given a plaque. this was a very moving gesture. One of which was particularly humbling. after a few patriotic songs we left for the next venue.

We were invited by the University of Hawaii athletic director to participate in a flag exchange. On the court at the first time out we were escorted and then exchanged flags on camera. the script of my mission and person was read to the audience and we each traded flags. Over 9,000 fans were in attendance and the moment was very well received by all.  next on the agenda was the airport.  I was scheduled for a 9pm departure and an all night flight and I was not going to miss this one like I did Alaska. Flying all night and being picked up by Deborah Getz in the morning.

Tomorrow: Arrive in Sacramento and visit the East lawn traveling Vietnam Veterans wall.

Blessings, George

September 4, 2010

Today was a light day of historic adventure. Mark and I visited the Pearl Harbor historic area and were given a personal tour of the famed USS Missouri. The Missouri gained its notoriety by being the place of surrender for the the nation of Japan when the war ended in 1945.  On December 7 1941 you may recall was the terrible bombing of pearl Harbor, 2500 lives were lost that day and 23 major ships and 169 aircraft were destroyed.

Our tour conducted by supervisor Phil took us to the intimate parts of the ship seldom seen, such as the commanders quarters.  After the tour we ceremoniously raised the Honor and Remember Flag above the quarter deck, pictures to follow. It was another memorable moment of this Hawaii trip I will never forget.

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous, I have never visited a place that had so much open architecture. Many of the buildings have no windows or doors on the ground floors. They are completely open air and curiously different.

The day ended with a very special dinner with Rep Takai and his extended family.

Tomorrow: Very Busy beginning with church service, then recital, college volleyball and back to Sacramento.

Blessings, George

September 3, 2010

This may be one of the most significant and memorable days of my journey. I am not sure I can adequately describe the days events and my emotions but I will give it my best attempt. Today thanks to the efforts and coordination of Rep Mark Takai and Lisa his assistant an emotional and moving ceremony was planned at the state capitol.  Many Gold Star families were in attendance as well as state officials including Governor Lingle, Adjutant General Lee, Honolulu Mayor, military officials, state senators, representatives and Hawaiian citizens.

The setting was the site of the Eternal Flame memorial just outside the capitol. It was a beautiful venue and I was told the first time a ceremony was ever held there.  There are many overwhelming thoughts running thru my head today. This is the 37th state I have been privileged  to share in, it is also the furthest point of the journey 5,000 miles from home and now 16,000 miles into my mission, nearly 90 days.  I originally estimated this trip would encompass 17,00 miles, I estimate now it will be closer to 25 and when concluded will have circled the globe. Perhaps it is one more symbolic sign of remembering all who have given so much in every corner of our world.

Tomorrow I begin to head east. Hawaii is important for many reasons, one of the most impactful is the historic fact that the war touched our shores in a tragedy as many lives were lost here at Pearl Harbor. I cannot begin to express the feelings of the people here as they are ever mindful of the importance of remembering. Currently in the War on Terror 360 lives lost are connected with ties to Hawaii.

The event was extremely humbling as each of those speaking understood the importance of the Honor and Remember message and included very supportive words of encouragement. I was deeply moved by this embracing and was especially touched by the proclamations by both the Governor of Hawaii and the Mayor of Honolulu. I wish I could better articulate in words, but I am not much of a flowery writer. At some point the video I shot will be shared with everyone as I know you would appreciate the sincere support of each speaking.

The most important part of the day was the presentation of personalized flags to three families. Williams, Cariaga and Hoe. There were several other Gold Star families there but as you know we are only able at this time to publicly recognize a few in each state. Mostly because resources are not available and we will continue to seek donations and sponsors until all are remembered. Today these three represented all the fallen from Hawaii and it was my sincere honor to bring tribute here.  The following news story will give you a taste of the day’s event.

KITV News Story

This evening I was privileged to attend  a prestigious dinner recognizing the ship and heroes of the US Missouri. The Missouri played a significant role in WWII and was the location of the Japanese signing of the surrender.  General Shinseki was the keynote speaker and the evening culminated an unbelievable day. Thank you Mark for all you have arranged.

Tomorrow: Honor and Remember Flag will fly over the US Missouri.

Blessings, George

September 2, 2010

Wow, 3am does come early, especially after an emotional previous day and a long mountainous drive. But today is a day I have been waiting for since the planning began. The farthest point of my journey, Hawaii the 37th state so far. I have now made it more than 16,000 miles. And I have to tell you that as I sit here writing the impact of it all is finally hitting me as reality. The journey is actually happening, the message is getting out there and lives are being touched.  For some reason this has grabbed me now more than ever. Maybe its because of the miles traveled, and the many supportive people, but regardless of whether the media or the apathetic take notice, this is significantly historic for all of our fallen heroes and their families. A sincerely humbling and overwhelming moment  in my journey.

I have been in communication for quite some time with Hawaii state Representative Mark Takai. A Gold Star family in the area had first told him about Honor and Remember some time back and he immediately drafted an Hawaiian resolution in support. Mark and I have been in contact ever since and he has been our point of contact and planning my visit. After the 8 hour trip today and finally getting to meet him I know we have now connected as friends. Mark has set up an amazing schedule, as you can see by the itinerary and was so looking forward to this time.

At the airport Mark welcomed me with a beautiful real flowered orchid lei ( I think i have only ever seen these in plastic) and then we were off and running. He escorted me around the island and we made many stops including lunch and a visit to the capital. The hotel he arranged for me overlooks Waikiki beach from the 28th floor, absolutely gorgeous. Part of our journey today took us to the graves of several fallen heroes from Iraq/Afgh and I will be privileged to meet the families tomorrow with the governor.

The day ended when Mark invited me to a USC vrs U of Hawaii football game. Football is huge out here and the stadium packed as these two rivals battled it out. In the end USC prevailed but not after a noble fight. The final score was 36-49. I welcomed the distraction of the evening and was able to put aside the pressures and responsibilities that lie ahead. Thank you Mark for believing in the message and the mission.

Tomorrow: Flag presentation ceremony with the HI Governor. Night of American Heroes dinner.

Blessings, George

September, 1, 2010

Busy day today, started with a radio interview on local station early am. Great interview with Panama and the listeners in the Reno area. Followed by a Starbucks appt with Senator Williams. He is a state Senator in the Sparks area and was extremely supportive of the Honor and Remember mission. We moved from there onto Caron City the capitol, where I had a scheduled ceremony with the governor. Christie had arranged a small meeting and flag presentation to two families in his office. One to  the Dragulich family in honor of their son killed in Iraq and the other to Mrs Drury in honor of her son killed in Vietnam in 1971. We had a limited time but the ceremony was extremely moving for all involved. I know it meant alot to the families to have the governor particulate in reading the certificates. After a quick lunch with everyone I headed to Sacramento for the evening.

In Sacramento I had scheduled to have the cracked windshield repaired. (You may recall that traveling through South Dakota many weeks back I had an encounter with a rather large stone.) Since I would be in Hawaii over the weekend I thought it prudent to replace it now while it was idle.  Gold Star mom Deborah Getz founder of neverforgetourfallen.com and I, have been in contact for some weeks and she is graciously hosting my visit while in Sacramento and working with Terrie Hobson to arrange events in the area. After dropping off the RV and having a wonderful diner with her and her husband Eddie it was off to sleep for a 3am wakeup.

Tomorrow: Begin Hawaii trip 6am flight,  more to come

Blessings, George

August 31, 2010

Meetings did not work out as planned. Had housekeeping to do with postings and preparing for tomorrow. I want to thank Christi and Ballard for taking amazing care of me while in town. Christi is a terrific chef and surprised me at every meal. Ballard was a great companion as we ran the necessary errands each day and shared the moments of a lasting friendship.

Today we were also able to take the time for a local news interview.

KOLO News Channel 8

Tomorrow: Ceremony with Nevada Governor and Gold Star families; on to Sacramento.

Blessings, George

PS: The reason for this journey continues to be apparent as I remember today the 56 brave heroes who lost their lives in August and the families that must now process their grief and begin to make sense of the future. My sincere gratitude for their sacrifice and heartfelt condolences for their loss. They will not be forgotten.

August 30, 2010

Today is yet to reveal itself. Rest and catch up.

Tomorrow: Potential meeting with the Nevada TAG and author Boone Colter.

Blessings, George

August 29, 2010

Put Patty on a plane at 530 this morning and then headed out for the long drive back to Reno with the Larsens. The weather was great, in the mid 60’s, and the drive beautiful. We arrived safely 8 hours later. Patty did arrive back in Norfolk safely, around 530pm eastern time. Unfortunately on her drive home she was in a car accident on the interstate, airbags deployed and her vehicle totaled. Everyone is ok thank God, but shaken up. It was a purely fluky thing but nonetheless life throws some wicked curves sometimes and I am 3,000 miles away. Please keep us in prayer as you think about the journey and the potential hazards ahead.

Tomorrow: I have a couple of days in Reno area to catch up and then Wednesday ceremony with the Governor.

Blessings, George

August 28, 2010

A day spent walking with Patty, Kenny and his two friends from LA. Seemed like miles and it probably was. There is way too much to describe and we only visited probably 3 hotels. I will leave my opinion at the door, but there is an amazing display of money pouring into every form of entertainment and distraction. I will post some pictures of the landscape. There was no way we could make a dent in the amount of places to go and things to see. And that doesn’t even include the gambling, where you could probably get lost for hours. FYI I did not even invest even a penny in any game of chance. It is an overwhelming experience some may never see and everywhere you turn someone or something is vying for your attention.

Had a great time with my youngest son and that made it all worth while. I only get to see him usually twice a year. he will also be with me in Lompoc for the Dennis Miller event Sept 11..

Tomorrow: Patty flies home, head back to Reno.

Blessings, George

August 27, 2010

Today was a long travel day as we head to Las Vegas for the Hannity Freedom concert.  left the RV at the Larsens in order to save about 1000 miles of wear and of course the 6 miles to the gallon. It was better of course to get to know them and share stories of our kids. Very barren yet beautiful countryside as we headed south. One of the highlights of the drive was when my eye caught the flying of an Honor and Remember Flag at a veterans post (Order of the Eagles) right along Route 395. It was a real shocker to see the flag blowing proudly in the wind, we stopped but no one was about to thank. Possibly we will stop again on the way back Sunday.

Seven hours later we rolled into Las Vegas. If you have never been, it is wall to wall advertisements with hotels and casinos everywhere.  Quote spectacular and with every entertainer you can imagine performing somewhere.  Even the long in the tooth acts are all here.  The Hannity Freedom concert you may have heard about, but its  a fundraiser to raise money for the families of Fallen Heroes, primarily for college scholarships.  This foundation was started by Ollie North. Its a wonderful event and there were thousands there. I had scheduled myself to attend this event back when I first put my itinerary together and I had hoped for some kind of stage time. But you know that is all wishful thinking. I have been trying to reach Sean Hannity for quote some time with this message but with no luck. Not any acknowledgment whatsoever.

I did find out that tickets were available for Gold Star families and that there was one left for me. Later, another was acquired for Patty. When we arrived we were able attend the VIP room and get some food and speak to other families there. I had a quick picture with Col North but no conversation. later Hannity came in but wasn’t able to speak with him either. Believe it or not I do still have some shyness in me.  Jen the coordinator there did do one thing, she took a few of us to a private meeting with Michael W. Smith. Well known music artist. i was able to share briefly the message of the flag and he was very interested. I gave him an Honor and remember bracelet and he actually wore it on stage. I will have photos posted in the album gallery.

The concert was truly amazing as many acts performed, beginning with the Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Comedian Terry Fator, Michael W. Smith and then lynyrd Skynyrd. It was a great night of entertainment. Part way through the evening our friends the Larsens and another Gold  Star couple were led onstage and acknowledged for their sons sacrifice. It was wonderful to see them given tribute. When Sean asked Ballard to say a few words. He said we came here with George Lutz a man traveling around the country to establish a remembrance flag. Sean asked when was I coming through and he said I am here now. Sean asked for the house lights and said George where are you.  I stood up and shouted “here Sean”, the audience applauded and that was my one brief moment. I am hoping this will be yet one more reminder to them that we are out there working on getting public awareness of military sacrifice. Its a start.

Our son Kenny is driving in from Los Angeles at 4am, so excited to spend time with him tomorrow. Patty flies back home on Sunday morning, its been great to have three weeks of her summer. I will be back on the road Monday on my own.

Tomorrow:  Not a whole lot but gawking at the glitz, enjoying my son.

Blessings, George

August 26, 2010

Had a great meeting this morning thanks to Robert Hildebrand, with the Lakeview County Commissioner along with VFW representatives.  They unanimously endorsed the flag and I left one for them to start flying right away. We said our goodbyes and headed on the lengthy trip to Reno, about 5 hours with the remaining 500 miles to Vegas on Friday. Met with Gold Star parents Christie and Ballard Larsen for a short visit. We will be traveling to the concert with them in the morning.

Tomorrow: Seven hour drive to Las Vegas and Freedom concert.

Blessings, George

August 25, 2010

Had a great evening at the Gibsons with Jon and the family. Also Shawn their son was their and he is in the glass repair business with Safelite. I showed him my windshield and he is going to arrange for it to be fixed when I get to Sacramento next week! I will be able to have a clear view again.

Headed today to visit the Eugene memorial in Skinner/Butte and then to Lakeview, where we were invited to pass through and share the vision. The Oregon memorial is in the final stages of completion, today they were preparing the stencil template for the names to be sandblasted. Linda has been instrumental in having this memorial prepared and is working on a special dedication Sept 11. I will be posting pictures in the gallery. It was amazing to see this stage of the process as I have now been from the granite mines of Vermont to the cutting and polishing factory and now on-site to witness the addition of names. What an honorable tribute to experience.

Next a long but beautiful 7 hour drive to Lakeview, OR where Robert Hildebrande invited me to pass thru and meet town officials.  After some early morning meetings we will head to Reno for the night.

Tomorrow; Travel to Reno for the night then Las Vegas for the Hannity freedom concert.

Blessings, George

August 24, 2010 Tuesday,

Last night I met Paul and his sister Michele. Paul moves at about a hundred miles and hour and has been feverishly working on pulling together the best ceremony possible. He had been in touch with the veterans affairs office, legislators, Gold Star families and the PGR. It is an all consuming effort to pull people and places together and have it all work out smoothly. Paul was a bit concerned along the way at the lack of response in many directions but I will have to say it worked out most beautifully.

The event was held at the Iraq/Afghanistan memorial just south of the Capitol. It was very well attended by many many participants I would have to guess maybe one hundred including; legislators, Gold Star families and an amazing group of PGR.  The setting and the weather was absolutely beautiful. The venue was perfect. After I was able to share the message of my mission I was honored to bring tribute to two particular families. Mrs Pat Lucas in honor of her son killed in Iraq in 2005 and Mrs Betty Welsh in tribute to her son killed in Lebanon in 1984. It was extremely emotional to be able to remember these two lives in this way with so many onlookers bearing witness to this experience.

The PGR added such an amazing blessing to all, as they embody, in my opinion, the patriotic example this county needs.  Thanks to all who attended and shared this moment, thanks to the legislators who were touched enough to want to establish this in Oregon and to Paul for his amazing work in pulling this together. One side note please say a prayer for Paul because at the event he inadvertently ripped a ligament in his leg and ended up in terrible pain. He has since gone to the hospital but no word on the prognosis.

At the event today I met Linda and John Gibson, Gold Star parents to Sgt Brennan Gibson KIA 12-10-2006 Iraq. I will be headed to their home in Eugene for the night. I also met Jon Belona, who is the founder of Run for the Fallen. Jon and I have been corresponding for two years and he honored me by attending today and we will all be hanging out for the evening. looking forward to the fellowship!

Tomorrow: Travel day to Lakeview, OR

Blessings, George