honoring our nations heros

[krasmu]

Last night I had to honor of riding in the motorcycle escort for our local "Vets Rol". This is an event that honors our nations military veterans with an all expense paid bus trip to Washington DC for tours, cerimonies and honor events. The Vets Rol had 10 buses of Vets and their assistants depart last week, from Beloit Wisconsin. These buses are escorted the entire way to and from the capital by local police and or fire departments, but here in the northern Illinois area we team up with the local police and fire departments and give them a true hero send off and welcome home. Last night at 9:45 pm the 10 buses rolled up to the Belvidere Oasis to be greeted by well over 200 motorcylces ready to escort them on the final 25 mile leg of their trip to Beloit. The local authorities completely shut down the interstate 90 as we roled out. It was a sight to behold. Every over pass was packed with people holding flags and signs along with fire and police units from the area. Every on ramp was blockaded but the drivers honked or stood by the side of the interstate chanting thank you. As we made our way into the city of Beloit, every street was if there was a parade. shoulder to shoulder people lined the streets waving flags, signs and lighting off fireworks. It was truely amazing. But the best was to come when we got to the final stop and the crowd was huge. Everyone formed two long lines. We shook hands with and thanked each and every one of those heros as they made their way from the buses to the main building. The looks on their faces were awe inspiring. The gratitude was pure. Most were elderly and frail. All were crying with appreciation. To this day, it ranks as one of my greatest achievments. You can spend your life savings trying to make people happy and never see the same type of gratitued and happiness, that just a few hours of our time had brought to these men and woman. If you ever get a chance to be part of anything like this, please do it. I promise you won't regret it.

[cranky]

Thank you for being there!!!!! I've ridden 100s of PGR missions and I have an
idea how your feel. I just left a PGR service for a fallen vet in San Jose, Ca...

[cushman eagle]

Thank you,Kirk,for doing your part encouraging those who have done so much!