Patriotic parade in Marietta

A giant American flag attached to raised fire truck ladders whipped in the wind and people lined the sidewalks during a patriotic parade in Marietta Tuesday that preceded some exciting announcements regarding the efforts to raise money for injured U.S. Army Spc. Kyle Hockenberry.

Hockenberry, of Marietta, lost both legs and his left arm after an explosion occurred while he was on foot patrol in Afghanistan in June 2011.

Following the parade Tuesday it was announced that folks can now get tickets for the Lt. Dan Band concert aimed at raising funds for the "smart" home being built for Hockenberry through the Building for America's Bravest program, backed by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

It was also announced Tuesday that Peoples Bank is kicking off the fundraising drive by donating $10,000.

"We strongly encourage our community and our citizens to step up and join us in the fundraising efforts," said Rick Stafford, executive vice-president of Peoples Bank.

The Lt. Dan Band concert is being held at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Marietta College's Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. Tickets are $35 each for general admission, $55 for gold seating and $75 for VIP seating. They are available at all Peoples News locations beginning today.

Article Photos

ASHLEY RITTENHOUSE The Marietta Times
A giant American flag waves high above Putnam Street in Marietta Tuesday as a parade makes its way down the street. The parade was held in honor of U.S. Army Spc. Kyle Hockenberry, of Marietta, who lost both legs and his left arm after an explosion occurred while he was on foot patrol in Afghanistan in June 2011. A concert aimed at raising money for a house for him will be held in August. Concert tickets are currently on sale.

All proceeds will go towards the construction of the house, expected to cost about $375,000.

The band, which includes actor Gary Sinise, is named for the character he portrayed in the 1994 film "Forrest Gump."

The band got involved with the Building for America's Bravest program a few years ago when Frank Siller learned that someone from his hometown of Staten Island, New York had become the first quadruple amputee to survive any war. Siller asked the band to do a concert to raise money for a smart home for the soldier. As they have learned about other severely wounded military members they have held more concerts for the purpose of building more houses.

Frank Siller is the brother of Stephen Siller, a New York firefighter who on Sept. 11, 2001 was on his way home when he heard on his scanner that the World Trade Center towers had been attacked.

He drove to the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel but it was closed for security reasons so he strapped 65 pounds of gear on his back and ran through the tunnel to the towers, where he died.

"We have to make sure we don't forget and that we honor the sacrifice. That is why we are here today, to honor the sacrifice that Kyle made for his country because of what happened on 9/11 and that's why our foundation has evolved to building these houses for our most severely wounded," Frank Siller said, while in Marietta Tuesday. "Kyle gave three limbs for his country. We must give him whatever we can."

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation also holds Tunnel to Towers runs to honor those who have sacrificed, Siller noted. A run will be held in Hockenberry's honor Sept. 8. To register, visit www.t2trun.org.

Hockenberry's father, Chet Hockenberry, said Tuesday his son continues to go through rehabilitation. He said the whole family appreciates the support they have received.

"He doesn't consider himself a hero but to his family and this community he is," Hockenberry said

Hockenberry noted that his son was recently promoted to specialist, something he's quite proud of.