Dear Editor:
My name is Joseph Bradley. I am a World War II veteran. This year I was asked to be the Grand Marshall of the Weehawken Memorial Day parade. Being Grand Marshall has been a lifelong dream of mine and I was greatly honored to accept the title.
The day started out wonderfully. My family joined me in support and celebration of this joyous occasion. Among those present was my grandson, Konnor, who is a boy scout from Freehold, NJ. As a proud grandfather and former Boy Scout leader, I asked my grandson to march beside me, he agreed. The rest of my family was thankful and relieved in knowing that Konnor would be by my side on such a hot and a long parade route, which I insisted on completing.
The parade got off to a wonderful start. With a jump in my step and pride in my heart, I marched through the streets of Weehawken. Friends and family waved their flags and cheered as I made my way.
Three fourths of the way we stopped for a break. I realized then that the heat was getting the better of me. I got a bottle of water and sat down on the ground. My grandson noticed something was wrong. He came over to me to see if I was ok. Noticing I needed some help, he quickly got the attention of an adult.
Bill Ghode, a retired Hoboken cop, and Konner returned to me with the EMT’s in tow. The EMT’s got me in the ambulance and gave me proper care. Thanks to my grandson’s quick thinking and his ability to stay cool, calm and collected, I was able to receive medical care in a timely fashion.
The EMT’s felt it necessary that I go to the emergency room Konnor rode with me in the ambulance. He took my cell phone from my pocket and began to call the other family members to reassure them that I was ok and that he was with me.
Thanks to my twelve year old grandson all turned out well for me. I was dehydrated from over exerting myself on such a hot day. My family was there to take me home and make sure I got plenty of fluids and rest.
I am very proud of my family but on this day I was especially proud of Konnor. Because of his Boy Scout training he knew exactly how to respond to someone in need. I am truly blessed to have such a fine, responsible, and quick thinking grandson.
Joseph Bradley