Thursday, August 11, 2011

The 2011 Wounded Warriors are Honored by Bonaire’s Lt. Governor Glenn Thode

Lt. Governor Glenn Thode and his wife hosted a reception at their home Wednesday evening to honor and salute this year’s contingent of Wounded Warriors--David, Gloria, Thomas, Ryan, Garth, Tasha, and Thomas.  View images of the evening’s reception by clicking here.

In a Bonairean tradition for visiting Wounded Warriors, the Bonaire Bikers provided an escort from Captain Don’s Habitat to the Lt. Governor’s residence.  After their arrival in parade fashion, Lt. Governor Thode warmly greeted the warriors, their spouses and family, and welcomed each of them to his home.

The reception is a time when many of the event’s sponsors get the opportunity to meet and speak with the warriors and their families and extend to them their thanks for all they have done.  Many of the warriors shrug off the thanks--to them, it’s a job which just has to be done!

In Lt. Governor Thode’s speech, he informed those present that, over the years, he has been so impressed with the Wounded Warrior project that he has been in contact with Queen Beatrix in Holland, as well as Parliament, to see if a similar program can be started for those Dutch military personnel who find themselves in similar circumstances.  He eloquently expressed his hope that, one day, Bonaire can host a contingent from the U.S. and one from Holland, so that they may all get the opportunity to meet each other.

Then, each warrior received a certificate, medal, Bonaire flag pin, and key-chain to commemorate their time on Bonaire.  They were each bestowed with the status of honorary Bonaire ambassadors.  These men and women will be ideal ambassadors to spread the word about Bonaire and its close ties to the United States and all those who visit from there.

The evening ended with one of Bonaire’s dance groups providing entertainment by presenting a variety of traditional Antillean folkloric dances.

Today and tomorrow will be the warriors’ final full days to enjoy the island, as they will depart on Saturday for their homes.

(Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)