In May of 2000 Kent, Crystal and I moved to Houston, Texas and we unknowingly bought a house right next door to Mike Thornton. Mike is a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was awarded the medal by President Nixon for valor, above and beyond the line of duty. Under his rough, gruff, bad boy exterior he is a generous, kind, loving person. Kent and I and Mike became friends very quickly – the boys bonded
and we started socializing. It was an eventful year and a half – we attended many exciting events with Mike. He invited us to attend the Inauguration in Washington DC in January 2001 (after we moved home to BC). Since then we've attended the January 2005 Inauguration, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention in Boston, Shreveport, Branson, Phoenix and now Boston again. He is very generous to include us and we always enjoy attending with him and Wendy. He introduces us to all his friends and we've gotten to know some wonderful people and shared some wonderful experiences. The CMOH Convention was being held September 26 to October 1 2006 in Boston and we were on our way with our friends Walter Wasilewski and Leah Peyer
to meet Mike and Wendy Thornton
and Andy and Caren Hotchkiss.
Traffic was heavy and it took a good four hours to drive from New York to Boston, then at least another 30 minutes to find the hotel. Kent was driving, just assertive today, not aggressive. Directions obtained from the Colonnade Hotel left a LOT to be desired. After 8 phone calls to the hotel Walter finally kept them on the line as we followed their directions and arrived at the door. To our delight, Drew Dix
and Al and Carol Rascon were just outside the door so we said a quick hello. Kent parked in the no parking zone, he and Walter and Leah checked in while I stayed with the vehicle. The doorman started to unload our luggage but when he got to the case of Corona, he balked and asked me to leave it in the vehicle or he'd lose his job and the hotel would lose it's liquor license. Ya, ya, ya – I put it in a bag, carried it myself and we headed to our rooms while Kent parked the car.
We unpacked as quickly as possible, changed our clothes for the reception and were ready to meet Mike, Wendy, Andy and Caren. The reception room was nearly full – full of Medal of Honor Recipients (approximately 66 attended the convention this year), their wives and guests, dignitaries and friends. The Boston City Police Pipe Band piped in CMOH Society President Gary Littrel, Boston Mayor Menino (who hosted the reception), the Police Commissioner and the Fire Chief. We renewed acquaintance with many, many people, such as John Finn, with Caren
"Doc" Ballard with Walter
Russell Dunham with Kim and Mike Thornton
and enjoyed the opening ceremony and welcome. The food was plentiful – every type of hors d'oeuvre imaginable, cheese, fruit, fresh roasted turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce.
We were up early Wednesday for a quick breakfast then to the buses for the State House Reception.
The Host Committee guided us to the buses, the FBI detail, headed by Tom Catone made sure we were all accounted for. The recipients, their wives and guests are well looked after. I felt humbled by the very fact we were included in this special treatment. I believe there were 4 buses of us, perhaps 5. The Boston City Police Department Motorcycle Division escorted the buses, shutting down the entire route as we traveled along. It was a sight to behold! They played leapfrog like you wouldn't believe – racing past the buses from intersection to intersection with lights flashing and sirens screaming. Of course there were police vans and cars involved as well. Some of the streets are very narrow in Boston and at times the motorcycles were only inches away as they sped by. Not only did they shut down the intersections but also the opposite lane at times in order to maneuver.
The Host Committee did a fabulous job of advertising this convention in the City of Boston – there were huge numbers of people on the streets, waving, cheering, taking photos and of course saluting. It was such an emotional experience to be part of – seeing the love and respect shown by residents, welcoming these National Heroes to their beautiful city.
As the buses parked to let us off the police lined up their motorcycles
then stood at attention to honor the MOH Recipients. Many of the Recipients graciously shook their hands, paused for photos and thanked each and every one at every opportunity. We were all guided to our seats as the Recipients were led to a separate area. The street in front of the State House was closed off and we sat in the middle of it,
looking up at the gold dome.
There were young people on the balcony of the State House and the steps were entirely lined with people of various ages in uniform. Everywhere we looked there were military lineups, a military band and a park full of spectators.
The Color Guard proceeded down the State House steps, carrying the US flag, the Medal of Honor flag and the State of Massachusetts flag.
State House President Travaglini, Speaker DiMasi, Governor Romney, Lt. Governor Healey, Tom Lyons the Host Committee Chairman and CMOH Society President Gary Littrell were introduced then walked to the podium seating.
We were all asked to stand as the Recipients were ushered to their seating.
The National Anthem was played by the band. The eloquent speeches of welcome, sincere thanks, great respect, admiration and love were overwhelming. It was the most sincere, emotional tribute to the Medal of Honor Recipients, with the largest display of military presence, pomp and ceremony I've every witnessed. It was awe inspiring. It made me even more aware of the importance of the MOH Convention returning to the City of Boston. The October 2001 Convention in Boston was well organized (even after being rescheduled a month after 9/11) but this one showed how much the City really had to offer. They pulled out all the stops.
A wreath was laid on the Shaw memorial by the great, great nephew of the first black American Recipient of the Medal of Honor. He was a member of an all black regiment of the Civil War. I know there is much, much more to this story and I don't know the details. The man laying the wreath had a large frame with photos and memorabilia of his ancestor and proudly displayed it. I hoped to take a photo but couldn't get near and wasn't able to return later.
As the ceremony drew to an end the Recipients were asked to walk up the State House steps. Mike came over to ask us to walk with him. Again, it was a moving experience, walking with these men, up the stairs, past all the young men and women in uniforn, standing at attention, saluting the most important heroes in the United States of America. We walked slowly through the large halls and looked at old photos, paintings and statues. The stained glass roof in the rotunda is magnificent. A very nice luncheon was set out in the “Memorial Hall of Flags” for all and we sat and chatted.
Mike and Tom Norris disappeared and we found out an hour or so later when they joined us, they were requested to attend a council meeting where the Mayor read a proclamation declaring the City was hosting the Medal of Honor Convention. I may not have the wording absolutely correct – this is all from memory – mine and Kent's – but this is my story and my recollection – flawed as it may be.
The buses and our escort were awaiting and we needed to hurry back to change for the ballgame. The Boston Red Sox were playing the Tampa Devil Rays that evening – and we were invited! Fenway Park is the second oldest stadium in the US.
Before going into the Stadium, I took a quick shot of Theresa Hayes
then she took one of Kent and I
We were ushered to the rooftop
for a reception hosted by the Red Sox management. Fenway Park is home to the “Green Monster” which I had never heard of. Now I know, it's a very tall wall behind third base. To hit a home run over top of it is very difficult as you can imagine!
Jon Cavaiani, John Finn and John Baker, Jr. posed for this picture
then John Finn and John Baker, Jr. posed with Leah and I.
Leah and I asked Bernard Fisher to pose with us too - what a nice gentleman he is!
I like this shot of Bob Howard talking to John Finn.
Drew and Mike posed with Boston police officer, Jackie
The Red Sox previous manager was there, wearing his 2004 World Series ring. He was delighted to show it to us, even let us all try it on and photograph it and ourselves.
It's value was $17,000.00 – although to him I'm sure it is invaluable. After a delicious dinner, a few beer and the gift of a Red Sox ball, we (the guests) were directed to our seats while the Recipients were ushered to the field to be presented to the 37,000 fans. An ex-player whose birthday was that day was honored to throw the first ball then MOH Society President Gary Littrell threw the second “first ball”. The Recipients crossed the field to sit with us. Unfortunately, the Red Sox lost the game 11 – 0. It was still a great experience for me. As the evening got chillier, so did I and some of the others. The first bus was leaving and we were on it. Mike, Wendy, Andy and Caren stayed and were invited to a Sky Box for the remaining time.
We hung around the hotel bar until they arrived back then we all piled in two police vans and spent the rest of the evening at JJ Foley's. There were 4 other patrons in the bar when we eight arrived. Another 6 or so of our group arrived. Mike Foley, the owner was pleased to welcome us and we enjoyed the evening.
The Recipients were visiting schools to speak to the students in the morning, then to a golf clinic, so Kent, Walter, Leah and I took a cab to the Boston Boat Show. Andy saw the advertisement the day before and when Kent heard, he was eager to go. The sun was out and it was great to be outside AND on the water! There were some very, very nice boats – but the 1.7 to 2.7 Million $ price tags were a little out of our range! We enjoyed looking and drooling and I think it gave Walter and Leah some insight into our world of boating. We want them to come visit and spend time on our boat and now perhaps they will since they have more of an idea of what to expect!
We were back at the hotel about 2, so Leah and I headed to the Mall across the street. Saks has a wonderful cosmetic section and since we couldn't afford the designer labels upstairs we decided to have a makeover. It's good to be girly sometimes and it always gives me a boost to try new makeup. So, now we were ready for the evening. We rushed back to the hotel to change once more, then to the buses again. Even the fire department was out to escort us
and who do you think was riding in the front seat? Lewis Millett!
Firefighter, James ? handed him a hat and away they went, with sirens blaring.
We were bused to the Seaport Hotel where the Boston Police were presented with a signed, framed picture by the CMOH Society to thank them for their service
and then we posed for "our" group shot
before dinner and a wonderful concert by Tenor John McDermott. He is of Irish descent and Canadian I believe – from Nova Scotia. He and his band played for us – such absolutely moving, emotional songs, honoring veterans and active service members. “The Wall” brought tears to my eyes and remembrances of our visit to Washington DC with Mike in 2001. When John sang America the Beautiful everyone in the room was on their feet. He told a few funny stories between songs and entertained us for an hour and a half – it seemed like 15 minutes. One of his CD's was at each place setting. When his concert was over, I asked Mike
to introduce me so I could have him sign my CD. He was surrounded by Recipients, dignitaries and guests but was gracious enough to pose for a photo with Tom Norris and autograph my CD.
Then we were back on the road again, with Tom and Theresa, heading for the hotel!
We were on the buses at 7:30 am to attend a Memorial Service at the Old North Church. A service is held each year to honor the CMOH Recipients who have passed on. A bugler played Taps and a rifle salute took place outside the church. A white rose was laid for each Recipient, by family members accompanied by a Recipient. There were many very moving tributes of memories of family members. Inside the church there are “boxes” - each one with a name and date engraved on a small plaque. Many of these date from around 1724. It's amazing to sit in one of these family boxes and think of the years gone by and the history of this church and the city of Boston. Even though I joke that my ancestor, Benedict Arnold (13th cousin, 4 times removed) nearly had the city sold out to the English, I am truly glad he didn't succeed! Mike always tells people Kent and I are more patriotic to the USA than most US citizens. We are both very proud he thinks and says that!
Mike, Wendy, Andy and Caren were golfing again that afternoon. They were attending a dinner and awards banquet following their “Texas Scramble”. Kent, Walter, Leah and I attended a luncheon at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The Recipients were seated outside for a photo op
then were piped in to the luncheon. I love the sound of bagpipes, especially outdoors and was was taking a photo of the piper when he asked me to use his camera as well to take the last shot on his roll. I took a few more and plan to email them to him.
Lunch was seafood, with clam chowder to start then lobster. Lucky for me, there was an alternate of chicken! We were seated with Recipient Bernard Fisher and his grandson and Recipient Walter Ehlers and his grandson. We certainly couldn't have asked for nicer lunch companions and enjoyed every minute. Reid Ehlers is an expert on sharks – every single type! He knows more about sharks than I know about the entire world! He entertained us with his knowledge and was very interested when we told him of our son Sean's encounter with a great white in South Africa.
Back on the bus, heading for the hotel again......then back to the Mall to have our makeup done again – I could get used to this...... We relaxed, had a few drinks then readied ourselves for the “Top of the Hub” dinner. The bus trip took 35 minutes and we were all ushered to the 50th floor where the view was absolutely fantastic. Kent started pointing out all the landmarks (3 sides of the building were solid glass) and there was a lot of city to see. After a casual buffet dinner and all we needed to drink and much visiting and camaraderie, we were ready to head back to the hotel. Instead of taking the 35 minute bus ride back, a group of us walked the 5 minute shortcut – through the Mall, across the street and into the hotel.
Mike, Wendy, Tom, Theresa, Andy and Caren arrived shortly after. Tom and Theresa won a fabulous glass trophy at the golf game. Oh, what did we do that evening??? I know we knew we had to be up very early the next morning, but we sure didn't go to bed early.... We all enjoyed spending time with Jim Swett and David McNerney whenever they were near.
The buses departed at 6:15 Saturday morning for the USS Constitution turnaround cruise. There was room aboard the Constitution, but Kent, Walter, Leah, Andy, Caren, Amy Millett, amongst others chose to ride aboard the “Abby Burgess” (named for - yes, Abby Burgess) in order to photograph the Constitution. The Abby Burgess is a 175 foot Coast Guard Cutter. It's purpose is to maintain the buoy system on the East Coast waterways and the crew brought it from Maine especially to accompany the Constitution. Our police escort of about 6 motorcycles took us to the dock where it was moored and we boarded. The crew welcomed us aboard, took us to the galley for coffee and fresh baked cookies, gave us a briefing of the day, then said we were free to roam the ship – the entire ship!!! The only place we were not allowed was the engine room, but once the XO learned Kent and Andy knew a great deal about Cat engines and repairs and maintenance, he asked if they could perhaps help with a problem!!!! They were pleased to be asked and had a tour of the engine room then diagnosed the problem. Captain Dilger
welcomed us to the bridge then asked for reports from his crew. It was impressive to hear the quality of reporting – everyone knew their jobs, knew the situation and seemed very professional but very relaxed. There were 26 guests aboard and our trip was to take approximately 3 hours. The Captain gave the command and we were underway. I immediately made my way topside, climbing the ladders for the best view. It was a warm morning and I didn't need my 2 coats, gloves or scarf. Everywhere I looked there were sights to photograph. It was fabulous to view the harbour from the top deck of this big ship. We watched as the Constitution was untied and moved away from the dock by a large tugboat.
This apparently was quite an event for Boston. The Constitution only does one or two turnaround cruises each year and the July 4th event was canceled to accommodate this CMOH event. The Recipients and guests were greeted aboard the Constitution with the Colors Ceremony and seated on deck. During the cruise there was an official presentation of the MOH flag to each Recipient. This is a special flag the Recipients may use when public speaking and/or use as presentations. Mike said it's something they've been needing and very pleased to now have available. I was very sorry I couldn't be in both places at once. It would have been wonderful to be aboard the Constitution for this historic event and the cruise, but I know our view was better and we all had the opportunity to photograph, view and even hear a small a portion of the ceremony.
The “1812 Marine Live Fire” exercise, a 21 gun salute to the Nation from Castle Island and a return gun salute by the Army National Guard all took place, with a great deal of sound and huge amounts of smoke. It was awesome to behold and Kent took some great photos.
The Constitution was not under sail or power, but steered and maneuvered by a large tug, with another standing by in case of need. It was escorted by us and dozens of other smaller vessels. There were two fire boats – one on each side of our route, with water spouting in all directions, high in the air. What an impressive display as we progressed closer and closer and eventually right past them. There were police boats, coast guard boats, harbor patrol – you name it, they were there – all in procession, escorting and surrounding the Constitution. Kent and Andy really liked this Coast Guard Boat with the machine gun in front!
Pleasure boats were instructed to keep 150 feet away at a minimum. There were many sailboats and powerboats out for this grand occasion – and the day was superb to be on the water in the harbor – actually part of the Atlantic Ocean!
When we arrived back at the Constitution on the bus to load up the rest of the group, a SWAT team came along and I couldn't resist asking them to pose with Mike and Wendy.
Oh, by the way – we were escorted on the ship by our favorite police
officer. His name is Peter but when he introduced himself, it came out as “Petah”.
Leah and I met him our first evening in Boston. Kent returned the rental car to the airport and was driven back to the hotel in the Fire Chief's red car, sirens blazing, lights flashing – you know, all the boy toys. So, the car was at the National rental lot and so were Walter's Prada sunglasses. Oooops, Leah put them in the seat pocket and left them there. I phoned National and they went to look as I stayed on hold – sure enough they found them. Now our only dilemma was how to get them. Well, there's nothing like asking for help – and we'd all been told to just ask if we needed anything..... So, outside the hotel door there were a number of cops. I said to Leah they couldn't possible say no to anything she asked and sure enough, Peter, the nicest cop in the world, said he'd just jump on his bike, head over to the airport and be back in a short time. And, he was! He came to find us in the bar, handed over Walter's sunglasses and became our best friend! From then on, we saw him every time we went out the door. All the cops were extremely friendly, helpful and excellent at their jobs. I hope they had as much fun as we did!
The CMOH Patriot Award Black Tie Dinner was held that evening at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Leah and I rushed over to Saks to have our makeup done once more – hey, it's sure handy having our own personal makeup artists so close at hand – and fun too! We all dressed up in our gowns and glitz and tottered to the buses in our high heels. The men were in their black ties and tuxes – too warm for the bus ride and the dinner – while us girls shivered with bare arms. Caren and I decided it might be a good idea for us to wear tuxes next time.
A reception was held prior to the dinner. It was wonderful to people watch and chat with various friends while admiring the array of dresses. There were fabulous ball gowns, little black dresses, pant suits, short dresses – you name it – women don't always dress formally – but the majority of men were in uniform or tuxes – resplendent with medals, bars and stars.
The doors to the banquet room were opened and we went in to our reserved table. The room had a huge flag behind the podium and there were a dozen or so stylized outlines of the flag on the walls. They looked as though they were painted in white and lit with black lights. It was a fitting and patriotic display and we gathered together for a group “family” shot in front of the flag. Spending 18 hours a day together, bonding, makes you feel like family – well it makes me feel like part of a loving, caring “family” of friends.
A DVD was shown after the introductions, of various Medal of Honor Recipients talking of their actions, their Medal of Honor, their brothers in arms and their lives. It was an emotional tribute that brought tears to my eyes. The armed forces medley was played and as each song began members of the armed forces stood at attention. At our table Mike stood for Anchors Aweigh and Walter stood during the Marine Hymn. This is my absolute favorite part of all the dinners, luncheons. I love seeing how proud these men are of their branches of the military. After a filet mignon dinner the awards presentation began:
Dave Stockton was presented with the “Distinguished Citizen Award” for outstanding success in his profession, his charitable contributions to his Country and his great Friendship to the members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Last year in Phoenix he and his son organized the golf clinic and tournament for the Recipients and their guests and did the same again this year. In his acceptance speech, he said his goal is to present every Recipient and spouse/guest with a PGA card which will entitle them to attend all tournaments.
The “Tex” McCrary Award was presented to Walter Anderson, Chairman & CEO of Parade Magazine for his unbiased coverage of the United States Military through journalism.
Conductor Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops will be recognized for his musical portrayal of the United States Military with the Bob Hope Award.
General Peter Pace (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) received The Patriot Award, which is the highest award the Society can bestow to an individual. He spoke at length, explaining at the start he might choke up and have trouble getting through his speech. He spoke of the importance of family - his family, the families of service members, patriotism and valor. He spoke of his determination to deter the terrorists. Not just to deter them, but to defeat them. Click here for part of his speech – everyone needs to read it – to remember, to understand – the terrorists will not go away quietly – they wish to annihilate America and the free world. He emphasized they will NOT succeed, not on his watch. He was an excellent speaker – we (the USA and the world) need more strong, determined men like General Peter Pace. I believe there was not a dry eye in the room during his speech, he was powerful, eloquent, emotional. The 800 guests were cheering and clapping by the time he finished.
To top the evening off, John McDermott sang God Bless America. It was a lovely finish to a perfect evening.
Back on the buses one last time........ it was too early to end the evening – and it was our last evening. Mike arranged a ride to JJ Foley's and off we went. In a limo!!! Mike, Walter, Leah and I and the Chief of Police climbed in – what luxury. The ride was over too soon. JJ Foley's was a zoo – there were 300 college kids crammed in to the small pub. We had to push through the crowd and we were overdressed. Once again the Foley's looked after us – made room for a table and 4 stools. Soon there were a couple of cops joining us, then a marine. Many young men made their way over to shake hands. At 2 am I needed my bed so Mike asked one of the cops to get me a ride to the hotel. Two cops in an unmarked car came for me. The backseat of the car was piled high with books, papers, coats, stuff – and the floor was ankle deep in coffee cups and garbage! Ha – I couldn't get in. They soon cleaned it up – but with a bit of grumbling. I don't think they were awfully happy at being given this detail – but they returned me to the hotel, where I tottered off to the room. Kent hadn't been feeling well most of the week, so he had a decent nights sleep. I had 4 hours. But it was worth every minute of lost sleep!
The police were arranging transportation to the airport so when we went down in the morning with our suitcases there was a van with 2 Recipients and their guests ready to go. In we hopped and were at the airport in time to have breakfast. The only unfortunate part was that we didn't have time to say goodbye. Hopefully that means it was only au revoir – until next time – see you all soon – ciao – take care, with much love from your Canadian friends,
Kent and Heather
