A Sad Anniversary

On August 2, 1966, Bisbee, Arizona, lost one of its brightest and best when Leonard Douglas Davis perished in the Pleiku Highlands of Vietnam. Those of you who have read my book, Second Watch, know all about Doug, as we called him in Bisbee, and about Bonnie Abney, the girl he left behind.

Those of you who follow my schedule on Facebook or on my website, already know that tomorrow, Bonnie and I will make the trek down tot the Chehalis Veterans Museum for a day of remembrance that includes a visit from the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall. (The wall may move, but I can tell you from personal experience that visiting it is also very moving!)

Michael Reagan, the Shoreline portrait artist behind the Fallen Heroes Project, will be there, too. The pencil portrait he did of Doug, copied from a photograph taken two days before Doug’s death, is a gift beyond measure to Bonnie just as the ones he’s done of literally thousands of other fallen service men and women have offered comfort to their families. Michael’s lovingly rendered individual portraits have a way of bringing those lost loved ones home in a manner I can’t begin to explain, even though I know it’s true.

This event is scheduled as part of the Remains of Innocence tour, but I suspect that tomorrow’s big seller will be copies of Second Watch. Bonnie and I will be there signing books starting at 2:00 and again after our joint presentation which is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.. I’ll sign the title page, and Bonnie will sign hers–the one toward the back of the book that features a twenty-two year old Doug standing there, dressed in his fatigues, and grinning at us from across all those years.

If you live somewhere in Southwestern Washington, come to the event.  It’s the least we can do to honor the men and women, living and dead, who served their country faithfully in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veteran’s  Memorial Traveling Wall

Chehalis Veteran’s Memorial Museum

9 thoughts on “A Sad Anniversary

  1. I reread Second Watch while waiting for Remains of Innocence . Of all your books, my favorite it Second Watch. Although, Remains of Innocence was excellent I enjoy all your books and characters. I’m hoping to see you in Minneapolis this month.

  2. I sure wish I could be there, I know it will be a very moving (no pun intended) experience. It would be so great to meet Bonnie in person. Thanks for your talk last night in Puyallup, you were great!!

  3. Enjoyed your visit at Woodinville library today. You have many interesting stories and are very entertaining to listen to. Hope to make it out again to one of your book signings again. Best Regards, Michelle Becerra

  4. Bisbee and our Country lost a great human being on this day. Doug was an intelligent, athletic and an all American man. We are proud of his efforts and successes in life. West Point and a Silver Star are among his honors. ‘Another Bisbee soldier who gave his all to protect and guard our freedom.

  5. My heart goes out to you and Bonnie. I know it will be a difficult day, but our veterans need to be remembered and thanked. I am a military brat, so I was raised to have the utmost respect for our vets, and people in general.

  6. I really enjoyed reading Second Watch. It was such a great mystery that pulled me in and stirred my emotions. I was crying right along with Bonnie. I have read so many of your books but must say, second watch was certainly my favorite! You have such a gift for writing and not one of your books has failed to entertain me. Its so hard to find another book to read after reading one of yours. Thank you so much!!!!

  7. Thank YOU for the novel Second Watch, as a service member (ARMY) from that era and having served in Vietnam, although not being in a combat role, I thoroughly enjoyed your tale of factual as well fictional events. As you were bringing the novel to a close on Whitby Island as well as the service In Bisbee, I had to take several “reading breaks”. The dedication of Lt. Davis at the end was very touching. Again THANK YOU

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