FReepers'Support The Troops float at Greely Stampede Parade

July 4, 2006 | Janinco

[jan in Colorado]

The theme for the Independence Day Greely Stampede parade was "Define the daily grind."

FReepers Weldgophardline and Fire engine red created a float dedicated to our brave troops serving in Iraq. Fire engine red singlehandedly worked for 27 days to present a float for the annual parade in Greely, Colorado. Weldgophardline said, "She does all the work, I just promote it."

My daughter and I were honored to be invited to ride on their float, and following are some pictures and observations from the parade.

Fire engine red and Weldgophardline before the parade.

Natalie and Jan in Colorado

Weldgophardline requested photos from the troops families from the Northern Colorado area and he received twenty-five responses. A heart shaped collage was made to display the troops pictures. Eleven of the 25 are currently, or soon to be, serving in Iraq.

In the center of the collage was a picture of Tyler MacKenzie who died November 2, 2005 from a roadside bomb.His mother, Julie rode on the float and during the parade she videotaped the reaction of the crowd. I had the pleasure of getting to talk to her about her beloved son. "He died doing what he believed in," she said fighting back tears yet glowing with pride for her son.

Tyler joined the Army January 19, 2005.Tyler had wanted to be in the army since he was six years old. He was adamant that we stay the course, that we finish what we started and told his mother that we are fighting them over there so that we DON'T have to fight them here! Through Mrs. MacKenzie's grief I couldn't help but see the pride she has in her son and what he wanted to accomplish. She said today, like every day, is difficult and she has to take one day at a time. She is sending a copy of the video to the troops in Iraq so they can see the support they have from the wonderful residents of Greely, Colorado. I have no doubt Tyler is very proud of his mother and how she is honoring him.

Rest in Peace Tyler Mackenzie.

The float also had many pictures taken in Iraq by Fire engine red and weldgopharline's son, who is currently serving in Iraq. His FReeper screen name is Victor. Many of the pictures are of Iraqi children and Victor has told his father that is why we are here...for the children!

The parade begins!

Servicemen walked on each side of the float as well as behind the float.

The crowd stood and applauded as the float approached.

Jan in Colorado,Weldgophardline and Lurker Jeff
(front row)Fire engine red and Lurker Paula

[jan in Colorado]

Happy Independence to all!

Thank you Weldgophardline and Fire Engine Red for the invite and for all your hard work. God Bless you and your son.

[stompk]

Hi Jan!

I was there and saw it. It was a GREAT float.

I was one of the Army soldiers in Uniform in the parade.

what a fantastic turnout. how receptive and patriotic the crowd was ! what a great day !!

[jan in Colorado]

Happy Independence Day Ping!

[jan in Colorado]

Yes, stompk, it was an awesome crowd! The respect shown to the servicemen by the crowd was very encouraging, considering we see so little of it on the news!

Thank you for your service.

[basil]

How perfectly wonderful!!

Thanks for all the great photos, and thanks to all who served or who are serving.

[Chuck54]

Great post. Thanks for sharing.

[Enterprise]

God bless you all.

[jan in Colorado]

Happy Independence Day Ping!

I am home from Ukraine and wanted to show you what fun I had today.I have missed you all the past month and am very glad to be home.

[NorCoGOP]

Well done. Well, well done.

Saw the float, I snapped a photo - PM me so I can email it.

Troops out in force in parade today!

[Gondring]

Thanks for your participation, your posting, and your ping! I wish I could have been there! And welcome home from the Ukraine!

[Gondring]

Thank you both for the great effort!

...and thank you, Tyler MacKenzie, for your great effort and your life.

[freema]

Awesome job!!!!!!!!!!!!

[daybreakcoming]

Way to go Greeley - you make us proud!

BTTT

[weldgophardline]

Thank You Jan for coming up to ride in the parade, My wife and I have done this float now three years running. We do this for all the armed forces doing their jobs everyday.
This year was a little more special because our son is in Iraq, But we would have done this even if he was not. We love the armed forces and all that they do and will show our support when ever and where ever we can.

[weldgophardline]

Patriotic float ping

[Just A Nobody]

THANK YOU for the ping! What an awesome float! Welcome home from the Ukraine thou good and faithful servant.

Thank you weldgophardline and fire engine red for all the work to put the float together. Please thank your son for me. I honor and support our troops and their mission.

I remember your thread and float from last year and was looking forward to seeing what you had created this year. You did not disappoint!

[Just A Nobody]

Thank you so much for your service to our country. America supports you - today and everyday! Pass it on! ;*)

[Syncro]

Beautiful! Stupendous! Fantastic!

Good job, what a cool statement to the World!

[Humidston]

Beautiful job! And I'm so glad the servicemen had an honored place in your parade. They're truly special!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Terrific float, weld. Thanks for doing this for our troops.

Thank you, Victor, for your service to our country.
Prayers for your safety and success of mission.