Max Cleland
Many of us celebrate Veterans Day in different ways. We have our traditions, whether to go to a cemetery to honor a lost soldier or a loved one, go to a parade, or do something else to celebrate or remember. For many years it has been a day of looking back for me. The picture above is of Max Cleland, taken by me on a Veteran's Day (either 1978 or 1979) at Arlington National Cemetery. He was the administrator of the Veterans Administration (now called the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). This was taken after the ceremony which is often seen on TV, in which the president and the administrator both speak at this amphitheater and the president also lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. I remember this day clearly. The president was Jimmy Carter. I had a press pass and a green ribbon, allowing me to walk about freely. The reason for my credentials was, as an employee of the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C., I worked in the film library at that time. This department did all the filming of anything newsworthy pertaining to the Veterans Administration, and the staff needed an extra hand and photographer. They provided my film but kept the prints. They did give me two copies of the picture above; note the black border, all developing was done in their dark room. I have no recollection as to how many photos I took of the president.
I knew Max Cleland for three years. He was remarkable to say the least, having lost three limbs in the Vietnam War. His car was designed so that he could drive himself to and from work. He also wrote a book, "Strong at the Broken Places" which he autographed for me. He is still out and about in the country or on TV campaigning for those Democrats running for office. I wanted to see him five years ago when he campaigned for John Kerry for President in New Hampshire, but I just couldn't get there in time. With his phenomenal memory, I like to think he remembered me. I also have a personal photo somebody took of him and me (when I half sat in his lap.)
Max Cleland wrote this book while in office. I had him autograph this first edition while we were both working there. I noticed that Amazon has a new edition, shown below (it may be updated, I don't know.)
On July 20, 1980 the VA's had its 50th Anniversary at the headquarters in Washington. There was lots of celebrating, with a huge cake and a slice for all. I had my photo taken with a very happy Max Cleland. The weather was unbearably hot, that they closed early because the a/c broke down.
One of the few photos I liked of myself. But I think I liked Max and my new Diane Von Furstenberg pink and white dress more.
Along with other things I think of on this day are the days I worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, also in Washington, and my years as a soldier. I have very fond memories of this day.
A good friend was an employee photographer, and I was able to keep this picture I took of her. President Carter was at the podium.
