990710CAN

It was a picture perfect day. I took my wife with me to Assumption Park, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to witness the re-dedication and five year anniversary of the Canadian Vietnam Memorial. There was no evidence of the many thousands of dollars worth of vandalism that took place in 1998. The monument has been restored with some security modifications, and encased in plastic.
The entire park has taken in art of many forms; bronze statues, modern art, animals and plaques. Plans are to link up with other river front parks and establish a 5.5 mile bike/walkway, along the Detroit River. At that time there were about two miles complete .before leaving the park area.

The parade and initial ceremonies were delayed for about one hour.   The parade units were combined into a multi-national group that marched down the street and up to the monument, to present the colors.   Next a contingency of around three hundred motorcycles paraded from St.Calire College and parked along the river,South of the monument.They joined in raising theAmerican, Canadian and Vietnamese flags, from half mast.
   I was unable to remain for all the speeches, ceremonies and music that was scheduled for most of the rest of the day. We did speak with many grateful Canadiam citizens before we had to leave. Many of them related their dismay at the damage done to the monument and who might have been responsible. Most said they didn't think it was just an isolated case of vandalism, since
no other art had been damaged.
                                                              Sgt. Kim D. Herfurth