6-11-08 -- Hamilton was our last official stop, and it was absolutely perfect!
Something very refreshing about this stop. In most cities we find that the fire and police stand together ... but apart. In Hamilton it was the police that suggested our photo op be in front of the fire rig.
These guys turned it out!
They looked crisp and sharp in their uniforms, and we truly respected the effort made on our behalf. Any troop looking in to see how their hometown represents for their deployed would be most honoured.
Not only did they look good, but they had done their homework, and the boxes of shirts they brought out, spoke to that directly.They took it easy on Ms Medic, as she was still pretty "wrung out" from the Niagara visit. Se, big hearts!
As you enter Hamilton there is a huge globe representing the earth, we don't know if it is a city thing, or if it is for a business. But it seemed appropriate that this relatively small hometown would be reaching out across the globe to send their love and respect to all of the Hamilton troops so far from home.
It was still hot outside, and these heroes stood in the hot sun without a quibble -- Actually it was me that requested we come inside the bay for the presentations. Who knew it could get so hot in Canada?!
A reporter from the Hamilton Spec took Larry to the side for what turned out to be a great article. Meanwhile we presented our Director's coins to representatives from both the police & fire sides of the house.
We even got one of the younger firefighters to do the obligatory "shirt off my back" shots for us. Gotta love the good sports at these stops. They all feel a little silly at first, but when they realize this is for the hometown troops, they always rise to the occasion, and we always appreciate it.Something special was added to this our last stop. Kevin had been having a very special shirt signed by every first responder along the way. This shirt was only signed after all adding their messages knew that it was being done for Jack Babcock, Canada's last living World War I veteran. This man is 107 years old, still lives on his own, takes walks and reads a book a week -- I don't even do that!
Kevin tasked me (Turnabout's fair play, eh?) to personally deliver this shirt to Mr Babcock, as he lives in our neck of the woods, in Spokane, Washington. And I am honoured to do this for all of you. *This is on hold at the moment as it appears that I picked up a pretty ferocious cold during the tour, and the last thing I want to do is to knock on his door and share this with him.
Anyway, the last signature was added to the shirt in Hamilton. Then they formed up and in unison raised their hands in a salute to Mr Babcock - it was perfect!In return, Larry presented the final honour shirt to Hamilton. This shirt was actually worn in Iraq by a wounded American troop. It has been adorned and signed by wounded American troops and symbolizes their support for the mission of the Canadian troops who are wounded in the line of duty.
After the presentation, Larry took a step back and raised his hand in a solid salute -- the hand that was severely wounded by a suicide bomber -- to the Heroes of Hamilton. he ended with a loud "Hoo-AH!"
We concur!
Thank you all so much for being the perfect last stop. Hope to see you again in the future.
lj
PS -- We THINK there are more pix from this stop. But no one can find them yet. If/when we do, they will post here as well.
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