Past Saturday Ride, Escorting The Wall

[Doc809]

It was a privilege to lead 20 bikes from Al Lambs this past Saturday to get to Seagoville to escort the Vietnam Memorial Wall.  We joined 280 more bikers on the final leg of the wall's journey.  IMHO it was quite a patriotic experience to ride Hwy 175 and see all the people on the overpasses waving American flags and saluting.  We even got to "enjoy" the speeches of a state representative, senator, and a county judge along with live music and presentation of the wall to Kaufman, where it will be installed permanently.  Wanderer took a boat load of pics (sorry Jeff, ART!!!) if we can persuade him to post some of them.  Weather was great, company was great, food was too!  A special thank you to all who participated in this event.  Larry

[godfire]

Hey Doc,
Thanks for inviting us.
It was a great day.

[Disco]

Thanks for leading the effort, Doc.  I was proud to be a part.

[LemonDrop]

It is one of the most moving (emotional) things I have done in a LONG time.   The people on the side of the road and on overpasses, cars pulled over on the side of the road, the man standing in the middle of the street saluting, and the flag lined street leading to the park... I was proud to do this little thing to acknowledge the men and women who served so that I/We can be free,  Thanks for letting us know about it, and leading us on this wonderful "mission."

[YODA MASTER]

Knowing Jeff (re: posting photos) ... hold yer breath.

[BnB Tom]

Maybe others were like me, just going because it was a ride.  Someplace to go.  Something to do.

That was in the beginning. 

Then we arrived at Seagoville and I saw all of the veterans, it was very sobering.  Then when we all arrived at the final destination and got settled, I began to walk amid the other 'walls' and read the names of those who gave their lives..  THEIR LIVES!

Anyone who wasn't touched by that moment didn't really think about where they were and what we were doing there. 

Thinking about all of those people who died for what they believed in... our way of life and our freedom.

They really did pay the ULTIMATE PRICE! 

Many of the speakers spoke of the ultimate price.  But for whatevere reason, it hit a very strong cord with me. 

At first I was depressed.  Then I was proud.  But most of all I was sad that they had to pay the ultimate price for something that many Americans simply take for granted everyday without any thought as to what had to be paid to enjoy this life in America.

I know, in my heart, that God Blessed those who died for this country and God Blessed the cause that they served.

I apologize to those I rode with for leaving so abruptly after the ceremony but I was not feeling very festive or social and selfishly wanted to be alone with my thoughts.

Not being particularly religious, I still thank God I was born an American.  I hope he understands.

[Wanderer]

Thanks much, Doc, for putting this one together.

Here you go... ~Jeff

[grego]

Thanks go out to the VRCC folks who rode in this ceremonial event. It was a very moving sight , greater than 280 riders , double staggered over 3 miles , providing the honor guard escort for the replica Wall transport vehicle down the highway to Kaufman. I rode to honor my neighbor ; awarded 2 bronze stars in Vietnam (heroism under fire), he never talks about it.
Thanks also to Doc for leading the way.

[Wanderer]

btt. New pics in my old post. ~Jeff