The last patrol
Sommer Woodward
Staff Reporter
A local resident who requested to be named as ÒThe Walking ManÓ is on his way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall in Locust Grove.
ÒThe walk symbolizes the ones who canÕt walk, the vets who canÕt come home yet,Ó he said.
The Walking Man was half way to Pryor Friday afternoon and planned to be in Locust Grove by noon Saturday in time for ceremonies.
And heÕs not alone. Friends and family members are joining him in his journey to bring awareness to Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA). HeÕs joined by Lisa Hyer and Beth Hyer, Anna and Dakota Aman. The group will pick up Lishia Hyer in Pryor.
Karen Morse drives the truck with a sign which reads ÒThe Last Patrol.Ó
The Last Patrol began in 1987 with Michael J. Martin and Tim Holiday when they decided Vietnam Veterans needed to be recognized, remembered and honored. So they started a walk to Washington D.C. and called it the Òlast patrol.Ó
A little over 2,000 people participated in the first walk.
The Walking Man said the walk is a matter of honor and respect.
ÒWhen weÕve got a reason to honor and respect something, we walk,Ó he said.
He took part in his first walk in 1997 when he walked to the Watch Fire in Tulsa.
Morse said the Last Patrol was officially handed over to The Walking Man by Martin himself. Since then, heÕs done walks to the Watch Fires, Moving Walls, Pittsburg Wall in Pittsburg, Kan.
Basically, any time heÕs requested to walk, he walks.
ÒThereÕs basically three percent of the world that gives a damn and IÕm in that three percent,Ó he said.
This walk is to honor all veterans and their issues.
He said a lot of people donÕt know there are men sitting at home with Agent Orange poisoning, with breast cancer.
Morse said most people donÕt know Agent Orange can be passed on to children and grandchildren.
ÒMake people understand there are still people out there that care,Ó said Morse, adding there are still POWs from all wars back to World War II. ÒThese people still exist.Ó
Morse said the moving wall is basically there to heal Vietnam Veterans, but she said there are more veterans out there who need healing.
ÒThey all need to be healed,Ó said Morse.
The Walking Man and his entourage stopped in Chouteau Friday night and returned home for rest. They began their walk early Saturday and took Scenic 412 to Locust Grove.
© 2006, The Daily Times
Pryor, Oklahoma