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Red Cross supports welcoming home of SFC Shue
After 42 years MIA from the Vietnam Conflict Sergeant First Class, Donald Shue, U.S. Army Special Forces, was returned home to his family on Saturday, April 30, 2011. At possibly the largest public event in Concord since the end of World War II, family, friends, community members and a procession of over 4,300 motorcycles welcomed the remains of SFC Shue to his hometown.
A motorcycle procession lead by the Patriot Guard Riders and Rolling Thunder began at the Army National Guard in Charlotte, traveling to Concord, Kannapolis and ending at Whitley’s Funeral Home where Sgt. Shue’s remains lay in state until his burial service on Sunday, May 1.
At the request of city officials, American Red Cross volunteers provided support throughout the reunion events. Thirty-one Red Cross volunteers from six communities provided support for the two-day homecoming. Five water stations and two roaming patrols provided 2,500 bottles of water to motorcycle riders and community members who had lined the streets of Concord and Kannapolis in a show of respect for this fallen soldier.
In both Concord and Kannapolis, the procession stopped so each community could show its respect. In Concord, the family was presented a Rose of Thanks by the family of PFC James McClamrock (KIA Sept. 7, 2010) and one of many MIA bracelets baring the name of Donald Shue; Kannapolis Superintendent of Schools, Pamela Cain presented Sgt Shue’s sisters with a diploma from A.L. Brown High School – where Donald had left in order to join the Army in 1969.
From the ceremonies in Kannapolis, SFC Shue’s remains were escorted to Whitley’s Funeral Home.
On Sunday, Red Cross volunteers returned to the funeral home to provide water, flags and support for the family and veterans honoring the funeral. As the procession arrived at the gravesite the family found bottled water and an American flag in their chairs (around the gravesite). Volunteers stayed until the gravesite service was completed to ensure any honor guard members, Patriot Rider or other supporters had water and shade for comfort from the heat.
