Today P.D. led the parade of WWII military vehicles through the streets of Parma, Italy, riding in Rover Joe, a meticulously restored WWII Radio Jeep complete with functional radios and driven by his friend and traveling companion Steve Gomez. In the town square he went to a special church service and then mounted the speaker’s platform to tell everyone how much he was enjoying returning to Parma after 65 years. Speeches were made by the leader of the Resistance Fighters (87 years old now but still a firey orator) and Lt. Col. Erick Jordan from the American Embassy. After the speeches the parade continued to Antonio Campanini's Radio Museum where a "light lunch of wine, Parma Ham, Parmesan Cheese, beef and pastries awaited us. P.D. exchanged gifts with representatives of various organizations.
The day ended with dinner in a ristorante where we cooked our own meat and vegetables on a very hot rock at our table. Again a three hour meal. A very satisfying end to a very important day.They love P.D. here. The women and children want to embrace him.
It sounds like he had a ball! It's great to see the respect and admiration from the citizens of Parma for P.D. and his buddies.
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