Charles Christian – 6/27/09

I would like to take a moment to tell you how much this weekend’s Calvary ride meant to my brother Charles (Chuck) Christian and the entire Christian Family. It has been a long year for our family. Although the internet and phone calls make keeping in touch a bit easier with today’s service people, however, it is still a sacrifice on the part of the soldier and his family. The many prayers, emails, and care packages kept Charlie and our entire family going. When he came home, in May, we were relieved and thankful, so very blessed to have him home. That would have been enough and was all that we asked for, yet the Calvary helped to make his homecoming not just welcome, but a life-changing memory for all of us. From the time we heard the sirens on the fire trucks and the rumble of the bikes, several of my family members were in tears. Because I had talked to you and have connections with the fire department, I hoped we’d have a good turnout but what we actually had was more than I could have asked for or imagined. The look on my brother’s face(while not a total surprise) as he saw the fire trucks pull up, the delight as he watched the bikers pull in, is something we will all carry with us. The fact that so many people sacrificed their time, their comfort, and their money touched us deeply. It was very gratifying for my sister-in-law to see her husband so well recognized and honored, and it touched my mother’s heart as well. The presentation and gifts were wonderful, but what moved us the most was seeing that many people involved, that many people, most of whom didn’t even know Charlie, who were willing to reach out and care enough about a soldier to make his homecoming special.
 
Thank-you and God Bless,

Johnnie Christian