Hi folks,

I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the NW Cavalry
Association's entry in the Grand Floral Parade this past Saturday. Everyone who attended went "above and beyond the call of duty" in a number of ways. And a number of people "behind the scenes" made it all possible so I wanted to thank them too. My apologies if I forgot anyone.

This parade made me me appreciate the hard work of others, like Lin Ahearn and Steve Betschart, who have coordinated parades in the past. We got hit by so many "casualties" due to illness or injury of riders, loss of horses (to lameness plus JR's Dusty colicking), and scheduling conflicts (ie work, graduations) that I wasn't sure we would be able to do it. Tom Warrick intended to ride but got stuck in Cheyenne (I think that's where he said he was when he called me late Thursday night.) By that point we were down from a hoped-for 16 riders, to 7. Then on Thursday I got a call from Channel 6--their reporter Dave Sweeney wanted to ride with us--IF we could provide a horse for him. I was going crazy and telling myself, "I'm NEVER doing this again!". Luckily the horses all did great. It was a bit nerve racking wondering how Dave Sweeney would do with Hercule--even though he had owned and ridden horses in the past, you just never know--but like a good Canadian horse Hercule pulled through. Dave remarked on how calm he was and how curious he was about absolutely everything. (I think Hercule enjoyed the parade as much as any human did!) As a result we got great publicity for the NCA and the reenacting hobby--and for the Canadian Horse.

I had some great moments, like when we were coming off the Burnside Bridge and the Salvation Army band, who was right on front of us, broke into the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." We couldn't have asked for a better band to follow since they played entirely patriotic and military music. I saw some old veterans stand up as the US guidon passed by, with pride in their eyes. That's what made the parade for me. I hope all of you have similar good moments to remember.

So my list of "thank yous" is:

JR Robinson, who did horse hauling (including picking up Jim Stanovich's horse in Corvallis) on almost no sleep in the previous 48 hours;

Jerry Eckert, who did a great job riding Chief, and also rounded up and delivered a great looking ATV for our pooper scoopers to use;

Dan Miller, who agreed to ride and bugle for us when we had a late cancellation (even though he was under major stress about getting to his daughter's graduation later in the day--he ended up being 20 minutes late but thankfully, didn't miss the important stuff);

Jim Stanovich, who woke up at probably 3 AM in the morning to get from Astoria to the stables by 5:30 AM;

Joe Hamer, who rode the lead position on Roxie and carried the Confederate flag, and helped out in ways too numerous to mention with the preparations;

Steve Pease, who drove all the way from Sisters to do the parade, did an excellent job riding Heritage (and agreed to let me wear his hat when Dave Sweeney needed mine--I owe ya one);

Linda Hamer, who also helped with prep, made floral decorations for our "US Sanitary Commission" wagon and got it looking pretty for us; and also helped ferry trailer drivers to the staging area;

Jon Martin, who walked the entire 4 mile parade route in boots (they WEREN'T made for walking!) and had the unglamorous but fun role of pooper scooper (he also provided our boutonnieres), as well as the more glamorous role for escort and horse coach for "Sgt. Sweeney;"

Christian Mulcahey of the 19th Indiana, who got up in the wee hours of the morning to drive from Battle Ground and got to the stables on time (OK, how many 17 year olds can you count on to get up that early?) and did a great job horse-holding for Dave Sweeney's horse during the hours we waited for him to finish his interviews;

Mary Miller, who could not attend the parade due to illness and her graduation that day, but graciously loaned her horse Hercule for Dave Sweeney to ride and got uniform parts together;

Lin Ahearn, who was sorely missed but loaned not one but two horses (Chief and Stoney) and more uniform parts;

Ken Woods, who loaned Jim Stanovich the use of his fine mare Yellow Rose;

Shardon Lewis, who could not attend due to his son's graduation but graciously loaned the use of the 1st US's guidon;

Steve Betschart, who agreed to let me ride Count after he had to cancel. We didn't end up needing Count, but I truly appreciated Steve's willingness to help out.

We had a great time and hopefully will have more participants next year.

OK, here's the best part folks: the NCA placed first in its division! (Equestrian Groups.) Thanks again for all the hard work and congratulations on a job well done.

Sincerely,
Your Obdt. Servant,
Lt. Ken Morris
10th Regt. of Cavalry NY State Volunteers