Quick Question: How many flags did you count/notice yesterday?
Well the day was good but we had rain all day. UGH!!
The day actually started last night when Boots sent me as email. You just never know who you are going to touch. Declan sent me an update on the MIA nurse that Shirley is carrying. Thanks so much Declan
From Declan Hughes (IRELAND)
| In todays May 20 sitreps posted by Jean Gault mention was made of Shirley carrying Nurse Pamela Donovan to The Wall. Pam was Irish citizen, reared & educated in Dublin, studied Nursing in Boston, relinquished her Irish citizenship to volunteer to help the boys in Vietnam. 25 Irish on the Wall, thousands Irish-Americans. |
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I was able to get with Marius today for the lyrics of the song he sang. If you get a change, look it up and see how passionate Marius is about the Run. He has a great voice
Run For The Wall
By Marius Calugaru
[Verse 1]
Engines in the morning, California sky
Kickstands up together, hear the freedom cry
Across this land of memories, we ride to heal the scars
For the ones still missing… we carry who they are
[Chorus]
Run for the Wall, across this land we ride
For the ones who never made it home, for the ones who fought and died
Miles of hope and brotherhood, hearts forever true
Run for the Wall — red, white, and blue
[Verse 2]
Through the desert silence, through the plains of green
Every town that greets us knows what this ride means
Names carved in the granite, stories never fade
We ride for every sacrifice our heroes made
Chorus]
Run for the Wall, across this land we ride
For the ones who never made it home, for the ones who fought and died
Miles of hope and brotherhood, hearts forever true
Run for the Wall — red, white, and blue
[Bridge]
We ride for those who can't ride anymore
We carry every name to the Wall once more
[Verse 3]
Washington before us, quiet tears will fall
Reflections in the black stone — we remember all
From coast to coast united, one mission standing tall
We ride together… Run for the Wall
[Chorus]
Run for the Wall, let the engines cry
Freedom isn’t free — their memory never dies
Four routes, one mission, riders strong and true
Run for the Wall — red, white, and blue
[Outro]
When the ride is over, the brotherhood remains
We carry home the healing… we carry home the names
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In 2023, there was an FNG that wrote a poem to summarize the run for him. Ed read it before we left Ontario but I thought since we have now finished the 10 days, and many people now understand the logistics of the Run, it is a good place to read it again.
Read to the Central Route riders on May 26, 2023 at Lewisburg, WV
By Lane “Boss” Post USMC Vietnam Vet
on the morning of Lane’s 10th day on the Run as an FNG
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Final day we gather to ride to DC, to the Wall. We have spent every day with a prayer..
...and the Pledge of Allegiance
Gunny joined us today with a surprise guest. Toby Harris was the principal the first year that they came thru. Talking to Gunny, they started with about 100 bikes. As the days went, several had to drop, but about 25 continues to DC. In 1989, the police got word that these veterans would be coming thru their town. He contacted Toby to let him know. Toby thought it would be great to greet these veteran with flags. He talked to the teachers and they went a step further. They had flags but also made signs to say Thank You for your service. The school back then was K-12 and a very run down building. Someone probably used a pay phone (no cell phone back then) to let then know the veterans were coming. When they went thru the kids were out front screaming and cheering. The vets soon realize this welcome was for them. They turned around and talked with the kids and teachers. They even gave some of the teachers a ride. This relationship had continued ever since.
Jim told us he was spent time in Japan as a kid. There was this kid that was always in trouble and he never understood why. Today he reads a bio of this boys father.
THIS IS WHY WE RIDE.
Last day to stage in the morning. It is bitter sweet.
Everyone is exhausted but the friendships will last a life time.
,
Since we have had rain for the last 2 day,
Stewart is ready and has his rain gear still on. So he is still geared up.
Most of the morning is foggy which is a shame. The landscape of this ride is beautiful.
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Gas stops are a piece of cake now. The rider and the fuel team work like a well oiled machine. The guy in the middle is like the traffic cop. Moving the bikes as quickly to fuel and stage. 15 minutes all... this is great.
The staging team had to work around semis today. No worries, they are getting really good at fitting the platoons around in all kinds of parking lots.
There is a big puddle right in front. Problem... nope.
Looks like Turkey is telling the road guards, "See I told you it was not the deep."
The platoons followed and we were on our way.
With all the rain today, the camera stayed tucked away for most of the day.
I tried to take several pics but most blurry or water spots.
I never get tired seeing this.
Our lunch stop was at Northern Fauquier Community Park. This was really nice as all the picnic tables were under cover.
Catfish, I think you need a new pair of gloves. Looks like these left their mark.
This lady is from the Outreach team and with the Willing Warrior Retreat Center. She is a daughter of a veteran killed in Vietnam. She spoke of the Center as a healing place for families. They do not pay for stay and meal are supplied. RFTW is a supporter.
HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???
ALL THE WAY !!!
HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???
ALL THE WAY !!!
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BUT the mission is not complete until we get to the Wall tomorrow.
Temps:54-58
Route: I-64 E, I-81N, I-66E
Miles:257
Quote for the day:
A veteran is someone who at one point in their life wrote a bank check
made payable to their country for an amount up to, and including their life.
THANK YOU!!!
Here is a flag on the back of a helmet. It reminds me that I am able to ride on this mission because I am free and those that serve have preserved it for me.
REMEMBER: Please thank our men and women in the service as well as our police and firemen. A simple hand shake goes a long way and it only takes a minute.
Last post will be tomorrow.
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