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!

And the Thunder Rolls,

Hear the Thunder

As we prepared to mount our bikes,
He asked, "Tell me why you ride.
There's nothing that you few can do
For these soldiers who have died."

"You're wrong" I answered back to him,
" Yes, they all have paid the toll,
But we can help people remember
When they hear the Thunder Roll."

"These men and women served their country,
their deaths were not by choice.
They fulfilled their solemn duty
And now we are their voice."

"Some returned in shrouded coffins.
They served and gave their all.
Some went to serve in foreign lands,
And never returned at all."

"So we ride to offer honor to
All those who paid this toll.
We ride so you'll remember them,
When you hear the thunder roll."

2007 Bill "uglicoyote" Davis
USN 1967-1971

Rolling Thunder --The Ride to the Wall

This is about the best video I've seen on Rolling Thunder. Once again thousands of bikers will gather in Washington D.C. to honor and remember their dead and missing brothers and sisters. Someday I'll make that ride myself.