Remembering when two word-warriors met by chance in Petaluma

When writer Ron Kovic dropped by Petaluma, and serendipitously ran into old friend Eugene Ruggles (see sidebar of 1992 Argus-Courier story), the U.S veteran and peace activist was still surfing the wave of fame that had come from having Tom Cruise play him in the film based on his memoir, “Born on the Fourth of July.”

Kovic was even nominated for an Oscar for co-writing the screenplay adaptation of his book. The popular film made an instant bestseller of the book, which had been published in the late 1970s.

Since then, much has changed, for good and bad.

Ruggles, the legendary “deep image verse” poet whose 1977 book, “Lifeguard in the Snow,” was shortlisted for the Pulitzer prize, and he passed away in 2004.

Aram’s café, mentioned in the article as the spot where Kovic and Ruggles ended up enjoying a long afternoon conversation, is long gone, it old location on Kentucky Street eventually replaced by Topsy’s Kitchen.

What has not changed is Kovic’s commitment to social change, and his heartbreaking skills as a storyteller.

Now 71, Kovic has recently published another book, “Hurricane Street” - about a historic 1974 anti-war protest and hunger strike he participated in - which came out last year to glowing reviews.

He is reportedly finishing up a sequel to “Born on the Fourth of July.”

Here’s hoping he’ll make another appearance in Petaluma to promote that book when it’s finally released.

Ruggles may be gone, along with Aram’s café - but there are plenty of fans in town who’d be happy to welcome him back, if only for one more afternoon.