We had a special experience today as Mark was asked to attend the Veterans Day ceremony in downtown Tampa, which was put on by the Chamber of Commerce. He was dressed in uniform for the first time in a year, which was quite poignant. Many of the nurses were a bit teary when they saw him and Jess and I were especially proud.
We went downtown with the Army liasions and Mark was seated in the front row and acknowledged. He was interviewed by several of the local television crews. His sergeant major naturally was quite pleased with her "poster boy for Army Strong". He was also greeted by his two favorite generals, Gen. Michael Diamond, Commander of the C.A.R.E. Coalition and Brig. Gen. Arne Skjaerpe, Norway, who is the Commander of the Coalition Forces at U.S. Central Command, who we now consider a friend.
The keynote speech was given by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. She gave an extremely moving and eloquent address.
It was a very fitting ceremony to attend on the eve of the first anniversary of the accident and our thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow are with the others who have been so affected by this tragedy.
