Page 47 - Abraham Lincoln Hearse Narrative

NINTH PROGRESS UPDATE AUGUST 2015 – VIVIANA’S VOICE
Then in Springfield that
sense of team was challenged
and strengthened beyond
what any of us had anticipated.
People with PTSD often have
difficulties with large crowds,
with traveling and with
experiencing new things, so
we had to be there for each
other. The profound emotions
we were experiencing pushed
us pretty dramatically. The
Official Unveiling Ceremony
with the orchestra, the
L to R: Jenna Donahue, Anartis McKerral, Phyllis Herrin & folks in period costume, the
Mercedes Cangas proudly posing in front of the completed hearse speeches and the accolades
(our first time to see it in its full glory!)
were all very emotional and
quite overwhelming. The
opportunity to meet and connect with the other craftspeople that worked on the Hearse
meant a lot to us. At one of the press conferences, when Eric was invited to sit in what had
been Abraham Lincoln’s spot in the Old Capitol
Building, he was moved to speak totally from the
heart about the challenges of being a veteran and
the honor of working on the Lincoln Hearse. Then
when several of the other veterans followed suit,
there was not a dry eye in the house. During both
days of the funeral procession there were tears
again as we all experienced the momentousness of
such a historical event, and also felt an indescribable
pride in seeing the hearse completed and being a
vital part of that ceremony. Veterans bonding over a beer at Route 66 bar.
We felt honored by the graciousness of all R to L: Tyrone Trent, Mike Nickerson, Eric
of the folks who hosted us. Dean Lambert, Mark Hollenbeck, Johnny Calkins, Anthony Becerra.
and Terri Greenwald, who got us all there; the
phenomenal staff at Route 66 Hotel; the drivers who drove us to our events; the incredible
meals (we’d never heard of a horseshoe!); the tours of the Thomas Rees Carillon, the Capitol
and the Lincoln Museum; the ceremony at the Vietnam memorial, the huge billboard with our
shining faces on it; and the personal tour of Miller Coach & Wheelworks and the incredible
dinner by Olen Miller and his family in Amish Country ~ it was life altering.
We offer deep gratitude to PJ Staab, his family and staff for their dedication to this project
and to honoring our veterans. Kudos also to the many other organizers and supporters (we love

47