Memorial Day parade honors local hero

RISING SUN, Ind. - "A tremendous price has been paid for these freedoms and thank God there are young men like Brett who are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to keep the USA free," said Bill Parks of Noah O'Bannon American Legion Post 59.

Army PFC Brett Bondurant is a combat wounded veteran and Purple Heart recipient who returned to Rising Sun, Ind. to be honored this Memorial Day.

"Some don't realize how important this day is to not only myself but everybody else, every veteran, airmen, sailors, marines, soldiers and yourselves. Means a lot to everybody, especially to me," said Bondurant.  "Continued support has been insane. I never even pictured any of this would happen but its back home is where it all is. It's awesome. I love coming home to all of this."

Bondurant has come a long way. He lost both of his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan last September. His grandfather, Jerry Bondurant couldn't be more proud.

"I'm extremely proud of him. He's gone through a lot," said Jerry. "His unit had 31 KIA's, 90-some purple hearts. He was in some pretty bad stuff. He's recovering great. He's doing good physically. He's doing just beautiful. Couldn't ask for any more from him."

Brett will return to Texas with his wife to continue rehabilitation over the next several months.