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| Off Topic A place for goofing off and interests other than motorcycles. Talk about anything here, but please keep subject matter family oriented. Do not include links to sites that aren't. |
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05-23-2007, 11:55 AM
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| Kickstand Operator   Join Date: 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. |
