This is the last installment of a multi-part series of “The Ride Home” 2009 by my dad, Gy. Sgt. John Ferguson (Ret) USMC. Photos are compliments of John Incata of Rolling Thunder NC 5 as well as Rolling Thunder NC 7 and Rolling Thunder South Carolina 2. Send-off video is compliments of Jacksonville Daily News reporter Aneisa Holmes. “The Missing Man Table” video is courtesy of the Illinois Women Veterans and the “Taps” video was created by Kerry Atkins.

September 19, 2009

Saturday began with the Rolling Thunder Heroes Escort Ride from the Walmart parking lot to the Andersonville National Historic Site for the Annual POW Recognition.

Rolling Thunder NC 5 once again left before the parade so we could escort POWs and their loved ones once the buses arrived. The ceremony honors POWs who have returned home from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf wars.

Each chair had the name of a POW, and a program was placed on every seat.

The Marine Corps Band played the Armed Forces Medley which honored the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines. As they played songs from each section in the military branch, members of the audience stood up to be saluted and recognized for the branch they or family members were affiliated with. When they played The Marine Corps Hymn, the band stood. It was thrilling and very moving.

Rolling Thunder NC 5 members provided the formal color guard presentation for the event and Jesse and Jane sang the National Anthem.

A Roll Call of former POWs attending the ceremony preceded a special presentation of gold medals, one for each POW. Each medal had the POW’s name, rank and years served. Their name and address was on the back side.

Each Rolling Thunder laid a ribbon on their POW, executed a slow salute, and returned to the position of “Attention.” Once POWs were recognized, Rolling Thunders did a left face, one row at a time and came around. The motions were repeated for the next row of 30 POW’s.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 stationed at Naval Station Mayport, FL conducted a section fly over with their SH-60B Seahawk Attack Helicopters.

The organizers of The Ride Home did a wonderful job. Being that big of an event with that many people, there were bound to be last minute changes. Rolling Thunder members were extremely flexible and did whatever was asked of them with grace. Everyone had a smile on their face. You wouldn’t think there were over two people there as well as everyone got along. We certainly rubbed enough shoulders together. It was an enjoyable few days and extremely moving. I’ve always appreciated our military men and women. This POW/MIA event really makes me appreciate their service even more. I’m so glad I did what I could to be there. I’m already looking forward to next year’s The Ride Home.

Editor’s Note: We want to hear from you! “The Ride Home” in Andersonville, Georgia is a huge, inspirational event that touches so many people. If you attended and are interested in sharing your memory(ies), please submit a post in the Comments section below or send an email. Thank you for reading our blog.