CR – May 22, 2025 – Day 9 to DC – Hurricane, WV to Lewisburg, WV

The brick will be returned and placed around the surveille tree. Thanks for all that carried it.

Kirk starts off the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, calling out FNGs, Veterans, Blue Star families and a moment of silence for Gold Star, MIA and POW families.

He then talked about how all these people are part of your Run family.  Some stories are funny and hence you may get a road name while others really make you think.

There is a story told of an FNG that sat next to another Run rider.  He asked the FNG why he was riding.  Because my dad is MIA and there is nothing they have heard about him. After a little conversation, he asked what his call sign was.  The veteran rider said he knew his dad and where he went down, and had a lot more details.  From there, things started rolling.  Coincidence?  I think not.

We roll out as Turkey, one of the road guards makes sure all the platoons are in order.  Then Walrus is at the exit, but this time with no tutu.

Hey!!!! did you guys get his right? We are riding on the sidewalk.  Be careful, do not hit anyone!!

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His grandmother worked in one of the buildings in the capital.  The grandmother’s husband is a Vietnam vet. He served from 1966-1969.  One year actually in Vietnam as a radio operator.

They have been married for 53 years.  I admire all the women who have stayed with their husbands from the Vietnam War (or any war).  They too have suffered.  Many of our soldiers have changed and have problems with coping yet the spouses have stayed with them. Thanks ladies.  This goes also for any women that served.  Thanks, guys, for sticking with your wives.

He told me today he was supposed to work in Tennessee for his job. But it was raining and he was able to come here to see us in. Coincidence?

There is a second monument:

 

On the outside is a statue like this for all 4 wars.  Beautiful and sad.

Sad to see so many names of those that gave their ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We all gathered to get a picture on the steps of the capital. I will put that in the post tomorrow.

 

As we head up to Rainelle, I will take you on a ride that was so inspiring of the people of this great nation.  Respect and honor for the riders and their cause.  They come out every year and every year we see the younger generation…we need to keep showing them the way.

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After the kids is the rest of the town…. for at least a mile on both sides to the street.

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Here the kids get to sign a shirt of the riders.

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This is so true.

Now comes the part the Run riders have worked so hard for all week. We present Kim, the Principle, with the money we have raised.

James “Gunny” Gregory, the founder, and his wife Patty are present for the day.

We all say the Pledge and sing the National Anthem.

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RFTW presented Kim with our donation… She is about in tears.  This money is used for so many things:  field trips, new playground equipment, computers, school supplies…..

Kim made a comment that every kid here understands patriotism, the red, white, and  blue, and sacrifice.  The  Run and its rider are a great influence for this next generation.