RUN FOR THE WALL Jean and Larry: May 26, 2017 - Day 10 to DC --- Lewisburg, WV to Washington DC

Today is day 10. We will reach our destination but our mission is not complete until tomorrow. We will go to Arlington National Cemetery, then RFTW Mission Accomplished at the Vietnam Memorial.

Today is Friday. As I look around at many of the riders, the have red on. A few years ago, I was told many wear red as a reminder of our Men and women serving today:

Remember Everyone Deployed.

We need to remember that we still have family serving to keep us free. This simple gesture brings an awareness. If we spread the word, to wear RED, we keep in front of us that there are men and women out there risking their lives for us and our freedom. So think about doing this on Fridays. It may be contagious.

Every day we read a name for someone to carry to the wall. Today was no different. But last night, Jamie (from out Harley chapter) told me about who he is riding for. He rides for his brother who served in Vietnam. He also up and listed again so Jamie did not have to server.

Thanks for your service!!!

Jamie also told me of a his bosses cousin. He had a son that dies in Vietnam. David Ball wrote a song about him call "Private Malone". Google up the lyrics. This father passed away a few years ago and the found this 1966 Corvette. Another one you may need tissues... I did.

Back to the Run. This morning, Gunny came to thank us for what we have done so far and to remind us we still have 1 1/2 days left. He also introduced 2 gentleman that rode with him on that first mission: Bullet and Cowboy. Lets keep this going and remember to bring everyone home.

Thanks guys for doing this. We want to remember that they made the "ultimate" sacrifice for their country by giving their lives. They are not just a name on the wall.

I did not know Spaz but many on the run did. He passed away but always said: I'll see ya when I see ya". Later , I will show a road guard with big white gloves on. These are what he wore as a road guard to direct us off the exit. Today Walrus wares them..

Cannot believe we had yet another BEAUTIFUL, rain free day.

DC and Sami. Could not resist.... check out the backgound

OK by now we are getting really good at this....amazing. 300+ bikes in 20 minutes. YEAH

This lady is an attendant here. For years her father, a veteran, would come to this gas stop and just watch everyone from RFTW. He has dementia but he never forgot this day. His memory was clear why we were there. Today he could not make it as his health is deteriorating but his grandson came. He already has his second dirt bike and want to make the run when he gets older. Our Future!!!

If you look real close , you will see this lady is carrying a dog. It went all the way.

Oz is looking a little like we all feel, a little tired. 10 days hard riding and there are many Vietnam vet. Many are getting in late 60s and early 70s, but their compassion this mission is never ending. Hang in there Oz, almost done.

Star Spangle Banner played as the flags are raised.

This picture says it all...

This gentleman was an instructor /trainer. He made a comment that really hit me:

"How many that I trained , came home". WOW think about that.

He ended with: "God bless America and our military!!".

Cindy , aka Drops a Lot, was getting in the music they were playing.

Lots of red for the day!!!!

Check this out!!! As we leave the Harley dealer where we had lunch, look at the colors!!!

Could not resist. just about every bike has this...

(also took several shots to get them both in the same direction)

Signs say:
1) Freedom isn't free. Support our troops everyday.
2) Lord please tell him.... He's more than a name on a wall
3) God Bless America, AGAIN!!

Well Ron had a fun day today. Winky needed to have someone ride up with him for the second last leg. Imagine an FNG up front of everyone!! So since his bike was able to be moved easily, up he went. And his daughter , Courtney , was with him. So the last leg, Winky said just stay there. WOW!!.. So Courtney and sister Jamie switched. How cool is that for all 3!!!

Here are the white gloves!!! You definitely see these as you reach an exit.

As we get closer and closer to Arlington, and I see the miles click down, I cannot help thinking of all those who will not be able to do this and come home.

Believe it of not, these guys were on the expressway. OMG....not good if you are on a bike.

Thank goodness , I think the noise kept them to the right.

Despite the geese , we made it! !!!

Since we are in leadership up front, Skip last year did this and it was suggested to do it again.
Stand and salute or hand over our heart as the rest came in.

Biter sweet for Winky. Relief all are here but hard because it is almost over.

HUGS FOR EVERYONE

As if this was not enough, there is one more thing. Later tonight we went to see the Marines Evening Parade. If you have ever seen the silent drill on TV. It is impressive , but not like in person.

Look closely at this flag. It was he one we had when this barrack was open. We had 15 states.

Before I forget, I wanted to add on big thanks to all the road guards.

So you all have heard me talk about all the different groups that make this work. Everyone has a big part in the Run For the Wall.

I thought I would show you some of the duties of the Road Guards.

They seem like they are always circle the pack because they are.

Checking for gaps in the platoons
Making sure there are no non-RFTW riders
Making sure not luggage is lose
Blocking entrance ramps, then have to recycle to the front.
Pulling truckers thru the lanes next to use to stay away from the bikes.
Talk to the truckers, so we both share the road together.
Go ahead of the pack and are at every turn so we get to the right gas station, meal venue, etc..
Help direct traffic in the fuel stops so can get to the pumps, then to staging in an organized fashion

Just a few of them:

Catfish