Schedule of Events
The legend of the Watch Fire goes back to General George Washington and the Revolutionary War. It’s said the General Washington instructed his camp troops to light large fires at night to help any lost soldiers from the day’s battle to find their way back to their units. In those days, even the enemy soldiers were welcomed. They were medically cared for if needed, fed, clothed and comforted. The next day they were either directed back to or taken back to their respective enemy units.
The tradition of the Watch Fire is continued by the VVA as a vigil for our nation’s POW/MIA’s from all wars…a fire glowing in the darkest night to help them find their way back home.
The VVA watch fire is sacred and can burn nothing but natural, unrefined wood and purified with only cedar, sage and love. The creation of a watch fire burning of only natural, pure wood is known as a virgin fire. Only a virgin fire is to be used to properly retire the American or POW Flag, the only two flags flown above our nation’s capital in Washington, DC.
The VVA respectfully requests no pictures be taken of the actual Flag Retirement ceremony. The only exceptions would be for educational purposes. Unfortunately, there have been occasions when zealots have taken pictures only to publish them portraying Vietnam Veterans burning flags for abhorred promotional purposes.
5:00 pm - Tiger Cage Ceremony - Dinner and Speaker, Representative Lisa J. Billy
Many American servicemen captured by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War were held in “Tiger Cages”. Tiger cages were usually built from bamboo rods tied together by rope or scraps of material torn from prisoner’s uniforms. Most were very small, sometimes without enough room for a prisoner to even stand up or turn around in. Prisoners were sometimes kept in these cages for months at a time.
7:00 pm - 10:00 - Watch Fire and Flag Retirement Ceremonies
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA, Chapter 524 for bringing the Watch Fire to this year’s Gathering of the Oklahoma Guard. The Watch Fire is scheduled to begin Friday afternoon and will burn continuously until later that evening. In addition to building and manning the Watch Fire, the VVA will conduct the ceremonial Flag Retirement throughout Friday evening. If you see a group of people burning American Flags, don’t be alarmed, this is the proper way to retire (dispose of) an American or POW Flag that has outlived its usefulness. The public is invited to bring old flags to the Watch Fire for proper retirement. The flags will be inspected, and properly retired in the Watch Fire in the memory of your chosen loved one.
Saturday, August 21:
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Staging for the Parade will be near W. Fox Street and Green Street (Hwy77/74/39). Formerly known as the United Super Market parking lot.
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If your organization would like to register to be in the parade, please contact David James (Tank) djjames56@sbcglobal.net,
or 405-476-6101. PARTICIPATION IN THE PARADE IS FREE.
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Bike Wash
BIKE WASH…Yeah, they can clean that!
The Purcell Cheerleader Booster Club will provide a bike wash at the MPC, Saturday, noon until 3:00 pm. Donations accepted by the Booster Club.
5:00 pm - End of Daily Activities - Dining Area Closed to ALL.
6:00 pm - Saturday Evening Activities - Welcome, Dinner, Guest Speaker and etc.
Founded in the spring of 2008 by PGR of Oklahoma member and Vietnam Veteran, Roy "Polecat11" Wells, the “Ride To Remember” was designed to assure that we never forget those who have lost their lives while on active duty since the beginning of the War in Afghanistan in 2004. The Ride To Remember will start at the MPC Sunday morning at 8:30 am. Participants on motorcycles and in cars will proceed as a group, escorted by local Law Enforcement, to the Purcell Cemetery. A brief ceremony will include a moment of silence observed for all veterans in this hallowed ground, known to us or not. The Ride will then proceed to each of three grave site locations to honor the memory of local heroes, Chief WO Steven Shepard, SPC Robert Hendrickson, and AB Kyle King. At each location a volunteer will read the obituary for the individual, another will place the commemorative American flag with a laminated “You Are Not Forgotten” card, another volunteer will then read a prayer followed by a moment of silence and a slow salute or hand on heart. Each graveside will be tended to make sure the markers are free of debris and weeds. 
The public is encouraged to join us on the “Ride To Remember”.
10:00 am - State Wide Meeting
ONGOING ACTIVITIES _____________________
COP CAR BASH!
Do you have pent-up aggression, want to vent your frustration, or maybe just get even for a lifetime of speeding tickets? Grab a sledge hammer and bash an official Purcell Police Car!!!
Mobile Vet Center
Thanks to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the Mobile Vet Center will be at the GOTOG again this year. If you’re a vet and need some help, please take a minute to take advantage of this facility. Personnel will be on hand to help you with any question you have regarding your veteran’s benefits.
ROCK CLIMB
See if you have what it takes. The Army will set up their mobile climbing wall so you can be an Army of One!
