The wagon was pulled by Thomas Hudson who is known as The walking Veteran. He started in May, 2016 on a sojourn to the nation’s Capitol seeking change in the Department of Veterans Affairs.A parade along Broadway from 11th Street to the civic center will start at noon. Hudson, along with Daniel Cox, will be the center of attention pulling the wagon. Cox became endeared to Hudson in June when he walked with the Marine veteran, giving him water and even fixing a flat on the wagon. The Henryetta youth was honored by city officials when they proclaimed, “Daniel Cox Day,” July 9. Since then similar proclamations were issued throughout Hudson’s journey as he related his story.
The wagon is filled with gifts and donations by veterans across America including signed caps, citations and various unit patches.
Hudson says his trip to Washington, D.C. was to call attention to the needs of America's disabled veterans who depend on the Veteran's Administration for medical help. He has met with a number of elected officials from local to state and national levels about those issues.
During the past few weeks in henryetta, Hudson has been visiting with local veterans as well as talking to students in several schools.
The public is invited to participate in the parade as well as attend the reception. A special induction ceremony for the wagon will be held at the Territorial Museum.