STILLWATER, Okla.- Homecoming has arrived on the Oklahoma State campus once again. A tradition that has forever changed.
One year has passed since four people died during OSU's Homecoming parade last year.
"Each death, especially a child, it changes you," said Stillwater ER nurse Heidi Gilbert.
Forever changed.
That's how Gilbert describes herself following last year's homecoming tragedy.
"All of the deaths and injuries were tragic and heartbreaking. Nash is especially dear to us." she said.
Little Nash Lucas, a patient that will forever stay with her.
"Nash was very hard on us all to take care of him and to do the best we could to save his life and get him to where he needed to be," she said.
Gilbert was named Grand Marshal of the OSU Homecoming Parade for her service. She'll joined by other firest responders and survivors, many she hasn't seen since that tragic day.
" I don't know how to prepare for that. I'll probably have waterproof makeup on that day and just enjoy the moment" she said.
It's all thanks to the OSU Alumni Association who dedicated its time to make sure Stillwater's heroes are never forgotten.
"They do incredible things in our community everyday, and we probably don't take the time to say thank you as we should all the time."said OSU Alumni President Chris Batchelder. "We want to make sure to honor and remember everything that happened last year."
A simple Stillwater thank you for the ones who saved lives and each other.
"It forms you, it makes you a better nurse, a better mother, parent, friend." said Gilbert.
80,000 people are expected to arrive in Stillwater for the weekend. City officials say more personnel will be on hand to accommodate the crowd.
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