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Our small equestrian unit, known
affectionately as “Paso Fiesta”, had already been participating in
local parades in Florida for several years. In 2005 we entered the Palatka Memorial
Day parade donned with patriotic attire. The following
year we decided to do something special, something
that really paid tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for
our country.
We were hesitant to go through
with the idea that came to mind and so we set it aside. We were going
to use our tried and true patriotic red, white, and blue theme. Then
one day while gathered for lunch the subject came up again. Why not go
through with it. Who cared if it was ethical, or went against
regulation or not. It was the least we could do to show the veterans
and their families we have not forgotten about them.
Weeks were spent gathering up
the props needed… an authentic army saber; actual cavalry spurs used
by one of the riders ancestors; black riding boots; all black English
tack with the proper bit, rigging; and a handmade saddle pad with the
U.S. insignia. The beautiful black Paso Fino stallion, Fantasma de
Dominar, would play the starring role. Lastly, MSG Donald Rollison, a
friend of one of the riders, would be in full dress uniform
volunteering to lead the “riderless horse”.
Don Rollison and "Phantom"
Fantasma (aka “Phantom”) was
bathed and clipped and looking his best. This was to be the most
important role of his life. He’d been everything from a trail mount,
endurance competitor, team penning horse, show horse, and breeding
stallion. He knew something was different that morning when we all
arrived at the muster site. His normally quiet demeanor was
exceptionally solid and serious. The rest of the horses in our group
were also quiet and reserved.
Though the rest of our group
were dressed in our usual white attire accented with sequined red,
silver, and blue vests, sequined bowties, white top hats, sequined
saddle pads, and red, silver, and blue ribbons in the horses’ manes
and tails, Phantom was the focal point. We took our time getting him
ready as everything had to be just right. Don too was making sure
every accessory to his uniform was in its proper place. |
It was time to get in line and
wait, wait, wait. It was getting hot. We were getting anxious. We
didn’t know how the crowd was going to react to our presentation. A
few people that were near where we were lined up came to pet the
horses and have their pictures taken next to them. Even the Mayor of
Palatka came to stand by Don and Phantom as well as a few soldiers from
one of the local military units.
Teresa Turner on "Gante", Sandi
Robinson on "Razz",
Karen Hall on "Avi"
It was time to march. Don and Phantom leading the way. Ahead the crowd
was loud. The Shriners were revving the engines to their go carts,
fire trucks blasting their horns and sirens, hot rod cars gunning the
motors to their big V-8 engines. The noise was almost deafening. We
gave ourselves plenty of distance from the commotion that was going on
ahead of us. Not only to save the horses from the fumes and noise, but
also to ensure that our presentation had the full visual effect we
were hoping for. We were not disappointed.
A wave of
silence spread out before us as we approached. Hushed whispers could
be heard on either side of the street. Parents and grandparents could
be heard murmuring to their children and grandchildren the
significance of the “riderless horse”. Spouses and mothers of fallen
family members wept at the sight they saw before them. One ragged
veteran in particular caught our attention. He struggled to rise from
his power chair, his wife steadying him as he rose. His hand lifted to
his brow in a proud salute as tears trickled down his checks from
behind his dark shades. He was fighting hard to retain his composure.
We nodded in acknowledgement and quietly passed.
We knew we
had done the right thing.
And so it has
been every year since. Phantom proudly leads the way and we still get
choked up as we watch the reactions of the crowd. Veterans stand at
attention and salute. Family members wave and thank us as we pass.
All too often
the true meaning of this day is forgotten amongst the hype and
commercialism. This is our way of getting back to what it’s all about…
remembering our troops, our fallen soldiers, our heroes.
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