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Watermelon Daze is
honored
to have performed
at the South Dakota Vietnam War
Memorial Dedication
September 15-16,
2006 in Pierre, SD
(aerial view
left; State Capitol lower left). We
will be posting additional pictures and
video from the weekend in the
near future! Five shows in
two days presented quite a
challenge. Even more so
with Jerry Lee breaking his hand
after soundcheck Thursday
evening.
The best part
unquestionably was the privilege to meet and talk
with so many vets and to witness the laughter, tears and healing
taking place all around us the entire weekend. Memories
that will last all of us a lifetime. |
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And who will
forget
the South Dakota weather... heat & humidity one moment
(USO Tent bottom right)
- 50 mph
wind, sideways rain and 40 degree temperature drop the next. It
was hard to hold a guitar pick Saturday night at Steamboat
Park
(bottom)
and even stranger to hear crowd applause muffled by mittens
(Crosby family
right: dedicated fans until
the bitter end). The sight of
speaker stacks and jumbotrons
swaying back and forth in high
winds,
weather sirens going off...
always exciting stuff in a
dangerous-sort-of-way.
It's comforting to know that our Vietnam Veterans can still move
that fast when necessary, and it was a first for the band to hear a sound man plead in
the monitors...
"for the love of God man, tell me this is
the last song! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!".
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The
Watermelon Daze Band is humbled
to have
been a part of such a special weekend. We know that
none of this could have been possible without the help of
several individuals & organizations.
Thanks to all
of you from the bottom of our collective
heart! May God Bless America & the brave Men & Women
of our Armed Services. Peace, the band. |
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UPDATED
MEMORIAL DEDICATION SITES
NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
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LINK HERE
VIDEO of the PARADE
and
DEDICATION CEREMONY
available @ SD Public Broadcasting.
LINK HERE
QUILTS
OF TEARS'
updated website with pictures and commentary from the
Dedication event.
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IN SUPPORT
OF OUR TROOPS
-
LINKS OF INTEREST
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UNSUNG HEROES by the Watermelon
Daze Band.
IN GOD WE STILL TRUST by Diamond
Rio.
FAREWELL MARINE
a
tribute by Washington State Marine
Moms.
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The
children
(lower right -
l to r: Krista, Tyler & Marshall)
of
Vietnam
Veteran US Army SGT. Larry Crosby
(left)
of Colton, SD, found the
following poem among Larry's personal items
following his death in 2005 due to complications arising during
his medical
treatment for Agent-Orange caused cancer.
A framed
copy of the poem was displayed next to the Agent-Orange Quilts
of Tears
(lower left) and featured on
Sioux Falls, SD's KELO-TV coverage during
the dedication event. Pictures of the
Quilts of Tears at the South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial Dedication are now available
at the updated Quilts of Tears website
(link
- quilt patch right). |
Agent-Orange
Quilts of Tears at the
Dedication of the
South
Dakota
Vietnam War Memorial |
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Larry Crosby was a
decorated Vietnam combat veteran who
courageously served his country and is missed greatly by
his family & friends.
He was a selfless man who lived a quiet life
dedicated to family & to helping others; regardless of
personal sacrifices he had to make or challenges he faced. May he rest in peace.
"Watermelon Daze...
a band with a Veterans heart!" |
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Larry Crosby Family
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Singer-songwriter
