Chapter 4 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4 returns to Ron Kovic, the paralyzed Marine, home from Vietnam. His mother and father wanted to push him in the Memorial Day Parade. Kovic partly dressed himself, and had been getting better at it. But his father helped him with the rest. Some American Legionaries helped push his wheelchair. They express pride in Kovic's sacrifices and promise him his sacrifice was not in vain. The men discuss other town veterans, some who had been wounded, others killed. Eddie Dugan had two plastic legs; Clasternack and Johnny Heanon died. And both Peters brothers died, among others.

The men stop the drive at Eddie Dugan's house; Eddie gets in the car next to Kovic. They shared their injuries with one another. When they arrive at the parade, the whole town has come out to praise them. But as soon as they saw...