Memorial Day--The Thunder Run

About 70 bikes left Pocatello this morning the start of the 4th annual Idaho Thunder Run, and event designed to remind of those who have never returned and those who still serve. Despite cool weather and a windy afternoon, the ride was a moving experience for most who participated. In Blackfoot we picked up a few more riders then went on to Idaho Falls for ceremonies at the Idaho Viet Nam Memorial. Senator Crapo made a fair speech about the meaning of Memorial Day, only once slipping in a Republican talking point. Then it was back to Chubbuck for ceremonies at city hall and then through Pocatello to the Veterans Memorial at Ross Park. At this ceremony the most inspirational and emotional speech came from Dr. Stephens, whose son Blake was killed only three weeks ago in Iraq. Calvary Alliance provided a lunch at Ross Park for the riders. All-in-all it was an uplifting experience and a great chance to ride with brother and sister veterans for a great cause. My daughter Andrea rode with me and had a great time too. I loved being able to share this part of my life with her.

Now, on the down side, At both Chubbuck and Ross Park, we heard from an evangelical/fundy preacher who spoke about our soldiers and veterans fighting and sacrificing for, among other things, our right to disagree about the war. He then, in almost the same breath, suggested that those who disagreed with him should be forced to leave the country. Typical theo-fascist crap. Oh well, his was a small and insignificant role.

The Thunder Rolled.
Support the troops--Bring them home!

Field of Heroes

You can click on the pictures to view full-size.
On a cold, rainy Tuesday a group of students from my school went to the Field of Heroes to help lay out the crosses( Picture on right). Eventually they were rained out, but they tried and I'm proud of them. On Wednesday evening, members of Portneuf Valley Hog helped set up the last crosses. The middle picture was taken today, over 3800 crosses representing those who have died in service of their country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The picture on the left is of the last row of crosses placed on Wednesday, crosses with no names on them at the time. Today almost ninety have names representing the deaths so far in May.
I walked the field of crosses and read many of the names, their ages. I returned to my bike and just sat there for a bit. John Rogers, an honorable man, fellow Viet Nam vet, and the person who started doing this thing four years ago, came over and asked "Well, what do you think?"
I started to cry, and all I could say was "The sons-of-bitches are doing it to us again. The miserable sons-of-bitches."

The week so far.

I survived the forced riding hiatus and picked up the bike at the shop on Tuesday after work. It was still only in the forties and low fifties on Tuesday and only in the fifties on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening the HOG folks decided to forego the usual Wednesday night dinner ride and instead we went out to a local soccer field and help with the Field of Heroes display which is set up there each memorial day. This year, well over 3800 crosses representing the dead servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers grow every day. I didn't have my camera that nigh but I will get some pictures tomorrow and post them here.

The weather has warmed and the forecast for the weekend is good. I'll probably have to give some time to the wife for some yard work but I will be riding as much as possible.
On Saturday we have a HOG family picnic which we have advertised for all Harley owners or wannabe Harley owners. You don't have to be a HOG member to attend. Then,On Monday we have our annual "Thunder Run" Memorial Day ride( I posted the itinerary here earlier) The POW/MIA riders, and others, including many HOG members, will ride to ceremonies honoring veterans in three different communities. Its a day long event, food and refreshments are provided by churches and other groups. Most of the riders are veterans or active military however, each year we are joined by many non-vets as well. I think this year that will definitely be the case, what with Iraq-Nam on everyone's mind. I'll get some pictures of these events and publish them as well.

Keep on keepin' on