Vietnam War veteran Lee Alley will lead the annual UW Homecoming parade that starts
at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Ninth and Ivinson streets. (UW Photo)
Lee Alley, a decorated Vietnam War veteran from Wheatland, will be the grand marshal of the annual University of Wyoming Homecoming parade.
He will lead the procession of floats, bands and other units through downtown Laramie beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. The parade starts at Ninth and Ivinson streets, goes west to Second Street, south on Second Street to Grand Avenue, and then east on Grand to 12th Street.
Alley, who returned from Vietnam and graduated from UW, is one of only two living Wyoming Distinguished Service Cross recipients. He is the author of the book "Back from War," which outlines the treatment of returning Vietnam veterans.
For more than three decades, Alley endured an emotionally draining silence over his fighting days in Vietnam, but he now speaks proudly, openly and emotionally of his service and helps other soldiers address and share their deeply personal experiences. He is the vice chairman of the Wyoming Veterans Commission.
“Lee has done so much for veterans and their families,” says Larry Barttelbort, Wyoming Veterans Commission executive director. “Truly, he is a great model for all generations of veterans.”
The Homecoming tradition, started in 1922, continues with this year’s theme: “WANTED: Cowboys of the West,” highlighting the rich history of Wyoming and cowboys and cowgirls who helped tame the West.
Special guests include the UW Alumni Association distinguished alumni Harriet Elizabeth “Liz” Byrd and Gregory C. Dyekman. Joseph B. Meyer, Wyoming state treasurer, who died on Saturday, also will be honored as a distinguished alumnus, and Medallion Service Award recipient Thomas E. Davidson will be recognized.
For more information about the parade or Homecoming events, call the UW Alumni Association at (307) 766-4166 or visit www.wyoalumni.com.
