Download PDF of this full issue: v12n3.pdf (8.4 MB)From Vietnam Veterans Against the War, http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=2414&hilite=
| Download PDF of this full issue: v12n3.pdf (8.4 MB) |
The boats were ready. Life preservers, signs, rain gear and food for the troops were loaded, and our twin orange shark fins trailed behind us. But where was Admiral Thornton? No doubt sweeping for mines offshore of the governor's mansion in Madison in preparation for the Madison VVAW chapter's first annual naval blockade, "Operation Orange Wave." Assisting in the operation were boats, canoes, rubber rafts, and trailing always closer, those ominous orange shark fins!
VVAW members from Chicago, Appleton and Milwaukee participated along with us at the Madison Vets' House Memorial run. Now I didn't say that any of us ran, but we did attend the Memorial Service afterwards. With the planting of our fourth tree at Warner Park we knew it wouldn't be exposed to 2,4-D like the first two were; our ban on its use in the city would protect the new tree well.
Now it was time to bring those memories we all shared of buddies here and gone to VVAW Madison Chapter's naval blockade. It was planned for Governor Lee Dreyfus. In a letter to President Reagan he suggests the redrafting of Vietnam vets. "it will give you, Mr President, the opportunity to restore the pride and belief of those same men in themselves and their country." Lee likes the idea of vets being already combat trained, and sees gold in our early availability for combat. Never happen, Lee! But the Madison Chapter stands ready to be the first Wisconsin vets to receive arms and ammo. About Face!
While the picket line walked by the Governor's gate, our armada entered the blockage area. Being scanned by the camera atop the Mansion wasn't our only coverage. Admiral Thornton shuttled press to and from the blockage; our event was in contrast to every other traditional even in Madison.
Operation Orange Wave finished as enthusiastically as it began. We were more than the number on our picket line and the naval blockade. Our fallen brothers and sisters accompanied us from beginning to end.