Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

SKTR · 05-23-2007, 10:55 AM

Had a new experience yesterday. A group I ride with became part of a much larger group to honor and provide motorcycle escort honor guard to the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall. This mobile unit is an 80 %-size replica of the Washington DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial standing over 8' tall at the apex, and 370 ' long. Accompanying it are the "Cost Of Freedom" displays, nine memorials represented in gold dog tags under glass to remember and honor all who died in service since Vietnam, including 9 / 11 a large art display "Vietnam Remembered" and a "Walk of Heroes.

Don't have a final "official" bike count as yet, but associates estimates put the count at over 300. We all formed up in a large parking lot with the lead bikes flying regular sized American flag, and flags of the military services, along with the familiar and somber MIA / POW black flag. At the 7 PM start time, the rolling thunder of these hundreds of bikes starting and revving started stirring forgotten emotions. Exiting the parking lot, the lead bikes of the honor guard flying the "Colors", followed by the caravan of semis and military vehicles and finally the phalanx of the rest of us (many flying the American flag on the high-side, were all saluted by veterans standing at attention as we rode by.

Police and ranger escort stopped all traffic so the caravan and the double file of bikes could rumble on by. People got out of their cars, and came from their homes to line most all of the thoroughfare en-route to Freedom Hill Park where the Wall will be on display, with honor guards standing vigil until Tues evening when it will move on. The people lining the streets acknowledged the Wall passing with waves, cheers, salutes, the Victory hand salute, waving of American flags, some honking of horns and many just standing solemnly with their hands over their hearts. Stirring ? You bet ! I had to clear my throat several times, and wipe . . dust or bugs, some-thing from my eyes a couple times.

We will do the honor guard escort again on Tuesday prior to the closing ceremonies and before the caravan moves on accross the country. Something I will not soon forget, if ever.

**87gsxrnut** · 05-23-2007, 10:59 AM

I saw it at Travis AFB. Impressive and moving. Also been to the real one in D.C. a few times.

- Nut

**Clint** · 05-23-2007, 11:25 AM

I've seen it in Chicago. It was quite a touching experience. That's pretty great that people are taking the time and effort to do this project.

jkersh · 05-23-2007, 12:42 PM

I saw it in Ft. Smith. If anyone gets a chance to see it I would recommend it.

Danr · 05-23-2007, 12:55 PM

The Wall in DC is a truly inspiring and humbling experiance for all those who grew up in that era. I can place far too many faces to the inscriptions on the granite. A place of hollowed ground for me.

Samurai · 05-23-2007, 01:42 PM

Jim, it sounds very moving really. Can visualize a touching scene. Thank you for sharing.

05-23-2007, 10:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
SKTR Kickstand Operator Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: Suz Marauder VZ800, Kaw Fll 250; Sons Suz Intruder LC1500, Yam YZ 125 Location: Ortonville MI betw Pontiac-Flint Posts: 256	Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall Had a new experience yesterday. A group I ride with became part of a much larger group to honor and provide motorcycle escort honor guard to the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall. This mobile unit is an 80 %-size replica of the Washington DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial standing over 8' tall at the apex, and 370 ' long. Accompanying it are the "Cost Of Freedom" displays, nine memorials represented in gold dog tags under glass to remember and honor all who died in service since Vietnam, including 9 / 11 a large art display "Vietnam Remembered" and a "Walk of Heroes. Don't have a final "official" bike count as yet, but associates estimates put the count at over 300. We all formed up in a large parking lot with the lead bikes flying regular sized American flag, and flags of the military services, along with the familiar and somber MIA / POW black flag. At the 7 PM start time, the rolling thunder of these hundreds of bikes starting and revving started stirring forgotten emotions. Exiting the parking lot, the lead bikes of the honor guard flying the "Colors", followed by the caravan of semis and military vehicles and finally the phalanx of the rest of us (many flying the American flag on the high-side, were all saluted by veterans standing at attention as we rode by. Police and ranger escort stopped all traffic so the caravan and the double file of bikes could rumble on by. People got out of their cars, and came from their homes to line most all of the thoroughfare en-route to Freedom Hill Park where the Wall will be on display, with honor guards standing vigil until Tues evening when it will move on. The people lining the streets acknowledged the Wall passing with waves, cheers, salutes, the Victory hand salute, waving of American flags, some honking of horns and many just standing solemnly with their hands over their hearts. Stirring ? You bet ! I had to clear my throat several times, and wipe . . dust or bugs, some-thing from my eyes a couple times. We will do the honor guard escort again on Tuesday prior to the closing ceremonies and before the caravan moves on accross the country. Something I will not soon forget, if ever. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Clint; 05-23-2007 at 11:24 AM. Reason: pararaphs for legibility

05-23-2007, 10:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
87gsxrnut Ho Dog Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 867-5309 Location: Terror Lake Posts: 4,182	I saw it at Travis AFB. Impressive and moving. Also been to the real one in D.C. a few times. - Nut __________________ Person or person's unknown.

05-23-2007, 12:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
jkersh Third gear and cruising Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: '02 750 ACE Location: 34 59.613n 094 30.852w Posts: 541	I saw it in Ft. Smith. If anyone gets a chance to see it I would recommend it. __________________ Walk softly and carry a big stick......you never know when a ninja will attack.

05-23-2007, 12:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
Danr Sit speling cheker Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,615	The Wall The Wall in DC is a truly inspiring and humbling experiance for all those who grew up in that era. I can place far too many faces to the inscriptions on the granite. A place of hollowed ground for me.

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05-23-2007, 01:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
Samurai Formerly Rice Burner Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: ST250E & Royal Enfield Location: Kanagawa, Japan Posts: 636	Jim, it sounds very moving really. Can visualize a touching scene. Thank you for sharing.

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