May 26, 2018 - In DC: Arlington, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Wall

We started the day with the FNGs to ride into Arlington, then pictures on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, then the apex of the Vietnam Wall to complete our mission.

RFTW is allowed to ride the bikes into Arlington.  There are 400 tags for any FNG that wants to ride.

In Arlington.  Over 400,000 graves, all with flags.   The 3^rd infantry puts the flags at each head stone. They are placed the Thursday prior to Memorial Day

Service men and women buried since 1860, the Civil War.

As we head to the steps, you can see bikes everywhere.  

 Check out the paint job on this one.

We head to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  Oh my goodness, check out the number of people.

We go to the Vietnam Wall. This is an emotional time.  You see those crying, those feeling the names on the wall, leaving memorabilia, prayers.... Lots of people and very quiet.

Remember, every day in morning call, we went thru 2 names still not returned. Many of us carried  bios, found them on the wall , and left them.  We pray they will be returned.

RFTW leaves a plaque, MISSION COMPLETE!!!

 

As we are walking along the Wall, Kim, one of our Platoon leader's wife is playing the bag pipes. 

 It is very quiet along the wall and you could really hear them. Where is my tissue please?

 There were a few gentlemen wheeled down the ramp.  Not sure how long  it took them to get thru.  Everyone shook his hand :  "Welcome home" , "Thank you for your service".

 Gunny started this 30 years ago.  We will not forget and we will continue to bring everyone home.

Thanks Gunny!

I will have one more post tomorrow.