Fallen Heroes

[chaplain220]

 Independence day is just around the corner, hoping for some good racing at Summit Pt.  (paved or gravel, depending on what's going on with that track).  But its also a time to remember that freedom, is definitely not free.  This past weekend I took the #220gixxer on a fallen heroes ride, linking up with several hundred cruisers near my home town, from there we would ride to the memorial service and join up with a thousand bikes.  I was surprised when a couple Troopers asked me to take point while they shut down all the intersections for the hour-long trip.  It was quite a sight to see two Troopers and a race-ready crotch rocket leading a mile of Harleys!!

We arrived an hour later at the expansive fairgrounds, filled with vendors of all sorts, along with lots of food and music.  Chrome soon covered the grass, (and reflected so nicely off all the leaking oil).  But I asked myself, "is this it?"  Fun n games for an afternoon to pay tribute to the defenders of freedom who made the ultimate sacrifice?"   As it turns out, there was no provision beyond a moment of silence and then reading the names of those killed.  A moment of silence!?  Heck, when I'm quiet, I only think about bikes, so I knew these families deserved more, especially when they are hurting and hungry to find the purpose in the sacrifice of their loved ones.   I was allowed to speak and encourage those folks, but the point remains that very often, we are willing to set aside our faith in exchange for silence.  Silence accomplishes nothing.  It is neither reverent nor rebellious, it is merely the absence of audible input.

So for all of you we race with who have served in the military, worked the assembly lines, taught our children, fought flames, or just plain busted your butt with honor to raise your kids and put food on your family's table, this chaplain will never allow silence to substitute for the prayers of thanks to God, for your part in ensuring Old Glory's colors will bear hope to the next generation, in this nation and around the world.  For indeed, liberty's lamp will shine no more when the flames of faith are extinguished in the hearts of mankind.  God bless the USA, see yas on the grid.







Oh, that moment of silence finally arrived at its proper time...when everyone had left. 

[2old2fat2slow]

good write up and sweet pics Art! Look forward to seeing you at Summit Bro!!!!

[Ducmarc]

+1 yes some fun and games but atleast they showed up . maybe someone told them to show up in hopes of hearing so enlighting words from you. still coming to fla ? pm me and i'll buy you lunch.

[bel-biv]

Great write up, Art!

If any of you want to lend direct support to our wounded veterans and their families, please visit my website

www.patriotracing.us

We have established a relationship with the Fisher House which provides a home away from home for veteran's families; enabling them to be with their loved ones as they go through surgery and recovery.
There are 38 Fisher Houses around the world with more being built.
Established in 1990, the Fisher House has served over 10,000 families and provided over 2.5 million days of lodging.
Regardless of your political position on the war, providing meaningful and needed support to our troops and their families is our greatest duty.

All donations go directly to the Fisher House.

Thanks,
See you all at Summit

[tug296]

 Chaplain,
As a Patriot Guard Rider, I appreciate your words.
Yesterday we stood for a Marine KIA in Iraq, a sad duty, tomorrow evening, the 4th, is a Welcome Home Mission for a Sailor coming home from Iraq, a feel good mission.
These are important things for the Families of these Hero's.

Your service is appreciated.