RUN FOR THE WALL Jean and Larry: May 20, 2018 - Day 5 to DC

Woke up this morning and no rain with temp of 46.

Sunday and we had a very nice service. Thanked God for no rain yesterday. It seemed to be all around us but got very little. Talked about the emotions that got thru everyone's mind these 10 day. We need to support this family especially at the Wall. People will remember family and friends that are gone and ask the question "why them, why not me?"

Blue, one of our Vietnam vet, plays with this little girl... she was so cute and she even gave him a hug

Flags made by the kids were hung all around the room set up for dinner and breakfast.

From Tigger, our registration leader, we have 554 total registered for the Central route. This does not mean we that is how many are riding every day. People will ride a day or however many they can. This is great.

As we leave Goodland....

This is a large Vincent van Gogh painting. Pretty big compare to the buildings.

Check out the cooper color bikes: Rick and Catfish. Looks like twins LOL

Today was 285 miles thru Kansas. And yes it is still windy. Enjoy the pics. Courtney and I got so many pictures of the bridges. I bet every other bridge had people on them.

When you look at these bridges and all the flags, think about the time it takes to get set up, spaced out, flags on fire trucks or cranes, signs made... We roll thru there at about 65 MPH and it may take 5+ minutes. This shows so much support for what the Run represents. Oh yeah there may be a pic or two or three of the land we are passing. Clouds most of the day but still had some blue skies.

We head into Oakley , for lunch. Here is another pic of the parade flags with the state flag being KS

This is Curtis family that came to lunch to see him. They all miss him so was good to have time together.

Three color hats , Ken road guard, Larry leadership support, Ron Asst. Platoon leader

Jenny and Courtney enjoy lunch together

This young man played the Star Spangle Banner. Wonderful job. You could have heard a pin drop... well maybe not on the grass,but you get the idea.

The picnic sheltered tables were made especially for the Run. Seems it is either really hot, so this give shade. Or it is raining and will shelter us from rain to eat. Today was neither but is was pretty chilly.

Near the lunch area is a Vietnam Memorial.

Very nice and with recognition to local residents are on their panels.

Each plaque is a name with birth and death year.

Also there is one for every branch of service.

Curtis family says good-bye. The little guy was not too happy.

After Lunch so many more bridges. Enjoy.....

This was pretty cool. Could not catch them all but in think : city, county, state, highway patrol.

This sign was made because of RFTW.

This pic is all those that had worked and help raise money for it. NICE!!!

Did have some blue skies but not much.

These people were are a rest stop .

Love this pic !!!!

Pull into a gas stop. Remember we are only here about 45 minutes. We get gas, grab a drink, a snack and back on the bikes.

Members of the local VFW.

This gentleman was very interesting to talk to. He was on welfare and used to have kill wild chickens for dinner. He had nothing. He was one of the lucky ones that joined one of the Reagan welfare programs. He was able to go the Police Academy school. He completed and then got a great job to get off welfare. He has had a great life and doing well for himself.

Sending us off.

As we leave and get on the expressway, the winds died down a bit. Thanks goodness..

Check this out. Flag on a tractor ... have not seen this one before.

Dan is riding next to us on one of the longest runs of the day. 2 hours and 15 minutes on straight , flat road. so boring. He had a lollipop to keep him focused. He said it take 13 licks to get to the center of a lollipop..

The next 2 bridges look so much alike. I did not notice until I started the blog tonight. Look how many flags!!!!! and how many people!!1

This sign said:
"Run For The Wall" then changed to "Welcome to Gerry County"
Now this really took some doing. This is right before we get into Junction City.KS

This is one of my favorite cities to come into...again the pics do not begin to show it

Single file staging....no numbers.

Kansas State coordinator. Stayed here while everyone got settle for the ceremony, about 15+ minutes

Posting of the colors.

Our leaders and their wives.

Several guest speakers.

These guys were so cute to watch. There were 2 hands on the flag pole the entire ceremony. They each got their turns. Check out the little guys in the front. All stood still and were very quiet.