Black Dog
Member
Posts: 2607
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« on: November 07, 2011, 06:44:47 AM » |
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My father is an 84 year old WWII vet. He was part of a group of Vet's (240 in all, plus an 'aid' for each) that took a one day trip, from Milwaukee to Washington DC, to see the new WWII Memorial, and to see the other memorials. Here is a cut n paste from the local paper, with a few words about the program... To date, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight has taken 1,593 World War II Veterans from southeast Wisconsin to see the World War II Memorial and other memorials in Washington D.C. The trip is completely free to veterans. Guardians pay $500 for the privilege of escorting a veteran on the trip. There are about 400 veterans on the wait list wishing to take their Honor Flight out of Milwaukee.Web site for the program - http://starsandstripeshonorflight.org/Family and friends are asked to provide letters before the trip, so on the flight back, they can have a 'Mail Call', for the men and women taking part. There is also a request for folks to 'Greet' the vets on their return to the airport. My lady friend and I were looking forward to being part of the welcome home crowd, but were blown away by the size of the crowd waiting... Almost the entire center area of Milwaukee's General Mitchell airport was PACKED!!! I don't know the official count, but there were hundreds of people, maybe thousands... All ages, from kids up on daddy’s shoulders, to teens and 20 something’s, to seniors, in wheel chairs...  Looking the other way...  There even was a Brass Band, playing all the 'oldies' from the WWII era...  The flight was to have landed at 8:00pm, but for reasons I still don't know, finally landed about 10:15... This crowd was there the entire time, talking, singing, and dancing with the band... So what if we were inconvenienced a few hours... The guys and gals we were waiting for gave us their lives in many cases. This is a shot of my dad (and his friend Kathy) when he first came in to view. BTW, he does not use a wheel chair, but their day started at 6:00 am, and it was now after 10:00 pm. This was a looong day for all involved...  240 men and women were being honored, and they (many with tears streaming down their cheeks) came up to US and thanked US for being there for them... It was an awesome sight, and really made me proud of my ol' man... Does he look happy, or what?  Here is one last shot, of my dad, his friend Kathy, and yours truly...  With everything seemingly going goofy in our country, it is so heartwarming to see our vets honored in this way, and even more of a thrill to be a part of such a patriotic bunch of regular American folks  Thanks for looking. Black Dog |
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle...  |
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Rowdy
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« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2011, 07:04:16 AM » |
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It is inspiring to see the faces of these WWII vets - our local chapter of Leathernecks help out at these events in Columbus  We had an apreciation event yesterday at Vets Memorial and the Leatherneck MC helped these veterans get between the parking lot and the auditorium - it was great seeing these men and women  and being able to listen to thier stories ect.
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Rowdy 99 Gr / Sv I/S 81 Bl CB900 Custom 73 Bl CL350 (sold) 06 Tit GL1800 86 & 84 Magna's V30, V45, V65 (Sold) 77 GL1000 naked wing (Sold) 86 & 84 GL1200 wings (Sold)  Semper Fi "Leathernec |
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old2soon
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« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2011, 07:07:57 AM » |
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We get the same sort of pictures down here after an honor Flight. We had a member of the family a war II vet die before these things started. I'm proud your dad got to do that. And you are right to be proud of hin. They weren't called The Greatest Generation fer nuttin. With out the people of your dads generation we might be speaking german or japanese now. Thank your father for what he did from a Vietnam vet. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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PAVALKER
Member
Posts: 4435
Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213
Pittsburgh, Pa
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« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2011, 07:26:26 AM » |
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That was very cool..... thanks for sharing.
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John  |
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solo1
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« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2011, 08:04:57 AM » |
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Very inspiring! We too, have honor flights in Indiana, WWII vets were indeed, the Greatest Generation. I'm so glad that your father made it. It must've been a day to remember for him.
I've heard that soon, they will be taking Korean Vets to the Korean War Memorial. I'm hoping to maybe get in on that, unless my kids take me first.
Not enough energy or patience to fight Washington DC traffic and do it on my own.
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« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2011, 08:41:48 AM » |
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Excellent.
It's good to see them getting the mass welcome many didn't get when they came home from war.
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MartinT
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« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2011, 08:48:17 AM » |
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Wow, just....wow!
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Dubsvalk
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« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2011, 09:24:37 AM » |
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My American Legion Post raises money to send our Vets to Washington every year. It is a great cause for some grat and deserving people!
Dubs
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Vietnam Veteran 1968/69
MSF Instructor
PGR
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G-Man
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« Reply #9 on: November 07, 2011, 12:03:09 PM » |
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #10 on: November 07, 2011, 12:26:37 PM » |
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As said earlier, Korean Vets are to go also. Some from here have already gone. Our Hy-Vee Grocery Stores are helping with the funding. Looking at the dad and son in the picture, absolutely no resemblance, NOT.
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #11 on: November 07, 2011, 01:19:44 PM » |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" ![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetempbig/language/www/US/GA/Athens.gif" alt="Click for Athens, Georgia Forecast" border="0" height="40" width="467") |
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old2soon
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« Reply #12 on: November 07, 2011, 01:23:25 PM » |
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We do my friend-when we run up on one another. Trust me-i know EXACTLY what you mean.  Sad to say-been there done that.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #13 on: November 07, 2011, 01:32:14 PM » |
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We do my friend-when we run up on one another. Trust me-i know EXACTLY what you mean. Sad to say-been there done that. RIDE SAFE. I have read at least a couple of hundred books about Vietnam Vets experiences in the War.....from privates, to Pilots, to Special Forces, to Generals....in all services, and many, maybe even most of them were not "welcomed" back home unless they were from a small town, in most cases......I'm ashamed of the way the "hippies" and antiwar protestors treated them as they came home......they should have supported the Soldiers and saved their animosity for the Idiots that wouldn't let them go all out to "win" it....... |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" |
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Al in Arkansas
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« Reply #14 on: November 07, 2011, 01:37:49 PM » |
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That is awesome! That's truly the greatest generation. It's good to see Americans honoring our veterans appropriately!
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12883
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #15 on: November 07, 2011, 01:42:00 PM » |
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A great post thank you It sure is a blessing for sure that your pop was able to return home, raise a family and thank you to all those who put the project together Good for you that you were there to greet him. Dad has a nice personal secretary, er friend, I know because Rex is wagging his tail  |
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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buffalobill
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« Reply #16 on: November 07, 2011, 01:45:38 PM » |
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2 thumbs way up I just stood a flag line at the Buffalo NY Airport Saturday night as well. I was the Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard as we welcomed home 27 WWII Veterans home from their Honor Flight. We had 35 PGR, 25 Active and Reserve Vets as well as Family and friends of the Heroes. Was my third one this year, a lump in my throat at all of them. Thank you for sharing. Tell your Dad "thank you" for me. BuffaloBill US Navy Submariner Patriot Guard RC |
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Romans 8:18
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Casper96
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« Reply #17 on: November 07, 2011, 02:28:59 PM » |
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Way cool...We stand out in front of the firehouse just outside Chicago when some of these groups go and once they are returning we give them the SALUTE they DESERVE when they pass....on another related note, I was witness to the changing of the gaurd back in 04 at the Arlington National Cemetary, what made it more than worth it was the group from WW2 I don't remember the name, it was a group that over half the group didn't return from Europe they were listed as MIA. Well over the couple years prior they had found the 12 missing airmens remains, they did a special ceremony with a wreath and removed their names from the tomb.....what a PROUD and humbling moment to witness the PRIDE these men that served with great sacrifice and courage to protect this country and make it the great power it was......when I watched as these men and their families cried over the loss of friends foxhole buddies and probably some of the strongest men in our country cry as they read the names, really put you( ok it did me at least) in your place....these are friends they lost almost 60 years prior, it showed me why they are the BEST generation of men and women....I thank him for his service and feel your feelings, my grandfather served in WW2 and he was and still is( he passed in 91) the strongest influence on how I should live my life.....
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HayHauler
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« Reply #18 on: November 07, 2011, 02:40:06 PM » |
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Thanks for sharing this black dog. You couldn't wipe the smile off his face with sand paper! Waaaay cool... Hay Jimmyt |
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Gear Jammer
Member
Posts: 3074
Yeah,,,,,It's a HEMI
Magnolia, Texas
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« Reply #19 on: November 07, 2011, 05:22:35 PM » |
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Two Thumbs Up Black Dog |
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 "The problems we face today exist because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living. |
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Bigdog
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« Reply #20 on: November 07, 2011, 05:32:44 PM » |
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This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it." -- Abraham Lincoln, 4 April 1861
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RTaz
Member
Posts: 1319
Michigan...Home of InZane X -XI
Oscoda, Michigan
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« Reply #21 on: November 07, 2011, 05:37:08 PM » |
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 RTaz |
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13848
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #22 on: November 07, 2011, 06:04:22 PM » |
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Yes sir as you said " Very Cool " |
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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Valkahuna
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« Reply #23 on: November 07, 2011, 06:22:06 PM » |
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Nothing is more important than honoring our vets. All of the WWII vets I have ever met are so unassuming about what they did, and the sacrifices that they made, that it can be an example for everyone. This is very cool to see these pictures and the looks on these gentlemen's faces. Thanks for sharing! |
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The key thing is to wake up breathing! All the rest can be fixed. (Except Stupid - You can't fix that)
2014 Indian Chieftain
2001 Valkyrie I/S
Proud to be a Vietnam Vet (US Air Force - SAC, 1967-1972)
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #24 on: November 07, 2011, 06:36:01 PM » |
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Wow Steve - small world. I was there standing with my son over by the band that was playing...almost next to the Altera Coffee place. In fact you might see me in the background of that picture of your dad by the band.
This was my 4th Honor Flight I've been to. I have no relatives alive that were in the war, but I usually run into someone I know who is there for a relative or friend.
It's always a life-changing experience for me to witness all the outpouring of thanks to the vets. This was the first time I was back pretty far from the rope line. I wish I had known you were there.
I always come away with a feeling of awe at the great honor these vets have and a better sense for what they had to endure to protect our world back then so we could have what we have now.
And to steal a phrase Big D says, "there's lots of gnats in the room during and after..."
I plan to go to the next one in Spring 2012 too. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night.
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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Karen
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« Reply #25 on: November 07, 2011, 06:43:31 PM » |
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Thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures of your dad & family. Never miss an opportunity to say thanks to any identifiable veterans and active duty personnel. Very glad to see that the people serving now are getting the kind of reception that the Vietnam Vets should have gotten back then.
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8763
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #26 on: November 07, 2011, 06:54:24 PM » |
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We do my friend-when we run up on one another. Trust me-i know EXACTLY what you mean. Sad to say-been there done that. RIDE SAFE. I have read at least a couple of hundred books about Vietnam Vets experiences in the War.....from privates, to Pilots, to Special Forces, to Generals....in all services, and many, maybe even most of them were not "welcomed" back home unless they were from a small town, in most cases......I'm ashamed of the way the "hippies" and antiwar protestors treated them as they came home......they should have supported the Soldiers and saved their animosity for the Idiots that wouldn't let them go all out to "win" it....... +1 - You go, Stanley! |
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 Troy, MI |
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rmrc51
Member
Posts: 1087
Freyja. Queen of the Valkyries
Palmyra, Virginia
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« Reply #27 on: November 08, 2011, 04:26:55 AM » |
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EXCELLENT!!!
I just lost my Dad 4 months ago. He was in the Coast Guard during WWII on a sub chaser in the North Atlantic. I wish he could've been at this event!
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VRCC # 30041
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Black Dog
Member
Posts: 2607
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« Reply #28 on: November 11, 2011, 08:08:09 AM » |
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A 'bump' for Veterans Day |
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle... |
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