Today is both a happy and sad day. Happy, because we have come all the way across our country safely, and have only 94 more miles to reach our destination. Happy, because we have forged new familial bonds that will last us for the rest of our lives. Happy, because we have seen people that were stooped with emotional burdens be able to stand up straight again as those burdens were lessened or even fully released. We are Happy because we set out on a Mission, and have fulfilled it as we travelled.
But we are also a little sad, because all of this comradery is rapidly coming to an end. Today is our last day as just the Midway Route Family. This afternoon, we will be joined by all of our Brothers and Sisters of Run For The Wall, and that is good. But we will not be “just us” any more, and we have come to rely on “just us.”
“WE” had our morning meeting, where we were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by our two youngest Riders. WE had a special duet singing our National Anthem. We listened and watched in gratitude as the Canadian National Anthem was sung, and we were able to stand at attention for our Canadian Riders, just as they have done for us. We got to thank all of our volunteers, and especially our Leadership Team for the incredible job that they have done. And then we mounted up our bikes and headed out for that last 94 mile ride as The 2024 Midway Route.
As we pulled into the host hotel in Arlington, VA, I watched the smiles seemingly explode out of our helmets. People were waving and cheering as they rode by me. One Platoon started honking their horns so loudly that they were echoing off the surrounding buildings. We had spectators and supporters cheering and waving flags as we rounded the corner. We were such a wonderful sight to see!
And then all too soon, Spence “Ride” Chapin was in front of my camera. “Ride” had been our Rear Road Guard throughout our entire journey. When he went by, I knew that the Midway Route had arrived, and our Mission was coming to a close. Seeing him ride into the parking lot was bittersweet, because I didn’t want today to end.
Tomorrow, our 2024 Mission WILL end as we place a plaque at the apex of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. But planning is already underway for Midway Route 2025!
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Before I sign off for the day, I want to talk a little bit about that “healing process” that I keep mentioning. But this time, the story is mine. I have heard for over a decade how much the support of these Riders helps overcome hurting and emotional issues. This year, I experienced it from the side of those with pain. You see, four days ago, a dear Friend of mine, someone that I first met through Run or The Wall and whom I then got to know on a personal level, and who taught me so much in other aspects of my life, became a member of “The 22.” His death hit me so hard, and I did not handle it well. In fact, I still can’t. But my Midway Route Family has thrown their loving arms around me, and supported me through my anguish. They have let me, and the other people that knew him, that they share our pain and sorrow, and will do anything they can to help us deal with our grief.
I cannot tell you how much this is appreciated. Without this support, the shared disbelief, the sorrow and pain being empathized, and the reminder that THIS is precisely why we Ride, I would have gone home. But my Brothers and Sisters have reminded me that Greenie would not have wanted me to go home. They reminded me that I am now riding for HIM. They asked me to Continue The Mission in his honor, because it is the right thing to do.
This is exactly what I have been telling people for all of these years. To be on the receiving end of it is both a blessing and a curse. I didn’t want this kind of experience, but I can’t think of a better group of people to be with when I received the bad news. The Run For The Wall Midway Route is healing ME, and I love each of you for this precious gift.
If you are one of those people that are having a tough time, and the voices inside your head start telling you to do harm to yourself, don’t listen to them! Call one of our Brothers and Sisters! We are here for you. We want you here, and we want you to be here next year, too! Don’t be one of the “22!”
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author
