Bridging Time and Cultures

BY CHARLES EARTHMAN

The Sonoma Vietnamese Association and Santa Rosa, California, Chapter 223 joined together on a float for the 118th Luther Burbank Rose Parade on Saturday, May 19, in Santa Rosa.

This was not the first time the two groups worked together. For the past two years Chapter 223 has provided security for the Vietnamese community’s Lunar New Year Tet Celebration. The Luther Burbank Rose Parade provided the opportunity for the two groups to work together again. 

Vietnam veterans had struggled to adjust to life after the war; Vietnamese refugees had struggled to survive and adapt to new customs and a new way of life. But now—several generations later—the Vietnamese community has assimilated into Sonoma County and become an important part of this diverse community. 

Chapter 223 and the Vietnamese community transformed a lowboy flatbed trailer designed for hauling farm equipment into a terrific parade float. It was pulled by “Big Joe” Cholewa in his pickup truck, which was also decked out in parade regalia. The theme of the float was “Together Then, Together Now.” It was adorned with paper lanterns, flags, lots of flowers, and Asian drums and cymbals. 

Riders included many generations of Vietnamese, as well as veterans from Chapter 223. They were followed by a troop of Dragon Dancers. The design represented a common theme of peace and unity echoed by both communities.  Preceding the float were the Chapter 223 Color Guard and marchers from Chapter 223 and from Chapter 78 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Many hours and lots of hard work went into this project, with Cholewa taking the lead as project manager.  The design and theme work was done by the Sonoma Vietnamese Association’s Kimchi Moyer, Mike Chase, Thuy Griesser, Doug Bui, Hung Dinh, and many others. Construction was done by Chapter 223 members Bruce Thomson, Pat Christen, Steve Weigert, Matt Kamano, Bruce Carpenter, George Wood, David Kistenmacher, Gary Casassa, and many others. 

Parade onlookers were delighted by the float, the product of the success of two communities with close ties.

Santa Rosa Chapter 223’s Charles Earthman served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam in ’67 and ’68. He can be contacted at C.Earthman173@gmail.com.