Just wanted to return this post to the top after the fact to say thanks to Kevin for running the event and all the sponsors that made it possible. The Red Wing Fire Department brought a ladder truck to fly a big American flag up high, and the national anthem was sung. Boaters from Walleye Searchers, as well as others just wanting to donate their boats and time, took veterans out on the river for a great day of fishing. Volunteers worked hard all day to provide food and other assistance, including helping some veterans who aren’t getting any younger in and out of boats.
For those that haven’t seen this event before, the logistics getting everyone on and off the water are nothing short of impressive. The boat owners and veterans hop in their boat while it’s still on the trailer, and volunteers work their tails off getting in line, backing the boats with vets in the water, then driving to park and doing it all over again until the over 40 boats are in the water. The on the way back, a volunteer on the point going into the harbor gets the boat number coming in and radios it back to the group, who go get the owners truck and trailer to get them off the water. It’s a lot of work and the volunteers do a fantastic job with it.
Thanks again to Kevin and Walleye Searchers for doing a completely selfless full day of supporting veterans. In a group of veterans I’m still usually one of the younger ones and I’m always honored and honestly starstruck to be around Vietnam vets and some of the others of that age.
