Today began at approximately 7:00 am as FNG’s began staging in the underground parking lot of the host hotel. At 8:20ish the rider’s meeting began with Slacker and Captain standing on top of the parking structure. Riders were instructed on the route to Arlington National Cemetery and how to behave in the cemetery. It was emphasized that we arrive as a group and we will leave as a group. Arlington expects better behavior from Run for the Wall and it’s riders if the relationship is going to continue. Happy to report, everyone went in as a group and left as a group. Should be good for another year.
As it is to be expected when entering America’s most hallowed cemetery, the emotion was overwhelming. Arlington National Cemetery, contains the remains of more than 400,000 people from the United States and 11 other countries. The Tomb of the Unknown contains the remains of three soldiers, one from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War respectively. There was an unidentified soldier from the Vietnam War interred in the monument, but the remains were identified in 1998, thanks to modern DNA technology. It was decided to leave the Vietnam tomb empty and revise the grave marker to reference both unknown AND missing soldiers from that conflict.
Southern Route was honored to have two of it’s riders selected as part of the Run for the Wall Honor guard and to participate in the wreath laying, Old School and Captain America.
Captain America said that when he stepped on the black tarmac, where the guards march 22 steps back and forth, it was surreal, knowing the lifetime commitment the guards make. Old School too was overwhelmed at the honor of being one of a few that ever have the opportunity to participate in a wreath laying on such hallowed ground.
You did your fellow riders proud, thank you for your service and patriotism.
From Arlington National Cemetery, riders gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for the group photo. You talk about hot! Takes quite a while to get 1,500 people gathered on the steps. Once the photo is taken the group makes the short walk over to the Vietnam Memorial where the tributes and biographies that have been carried across the United States are placed at the wall. The Three Route Coordinators and Gunny placed the “Mission Accomplished” plaque at the apex of the wall. Fng’s have their buttons turned upside down, signifying that they made it all the way to DC and to the Vietnam Memorial. And their Mission is Complete.
It has been an honor to be your sit-rep writer again this year. I hope I have done a decent job in capturing the daily events of the run. Riders, now that you are home and able to read the sit-reps, please remember to go to RFTW.US and complete your After Action Report, FNG Report and Volunteer to serve next year.
To all the wives that sit home for three weeks while their husbands/loved ones are serving those that serve, thank you! Many of the men on the run are worried they won’t be “allowed” to participate next year. Please don’t stand in their way, this is more than just a ride with their buddies, there is purpose and a goal and their service is needed and appreciated.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in 2019, May 15 – 24.
Thank you for your dedicated efforts in completing the Sit-Rep. You captured the spirit and transferred the essence of a dedicated group of riders serving a most honorable mission: We Ride For Those Who Can’t