Today was a beautiful, picture perfect riding day, not too hot, not too humid, it was very, very nice. Morning staging took place in the Sam’s Club Parking lot. McDonalds was there serving breakfast sandwiches and the Amvets had snacks and caffeinated sodas, hallelujah!
Robert Reavis, “Old School” shared the MIA, why we ride story:
In addition to Old School the Military Suicide Prevention officer for Louisiana spoke to the group. He shared some very sad statistics:
114,000 veterans have committed suicide since 9-11
8,000 veterans a year commit suicide
22 veterans a day commit suicide
Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255
Santa Ed has been giving riders, patches, stickers and t-shirts, hoping to spread awareness that our military are in trouble and need our help.
The Louisiana State Police have to show off every year. It’s okay, all the riders enjoy it.
From Monroe, LA we rode to Jackson, Mississippi, the most patriotic town in America! This took us across the mighty Mississippi. Always a milestone on the Southern Route. Jackson, MS goes all out every year to welcome the riders. I wish every American and especially every veteran could ride in to Jackson with Run for the Wall. It’s an amazing show of patriotism. The ultimate Welcome home!
Captain Robinson spoke to the group. He was held captive in North Vietnam for 7 years. He had quite a story to tell. He shared a number of interesting observances: “Never commit the troops before we commit the nation”. “Never will a generation of veterans abandon another.” AMEN!
Riders enjoyed the Trail of Honor, a walk through US History beginning with The American Revolution. With reenactors and artifacts. This was a three-hour stop, which was nice. Had a chance to rest, catch our breath before pushing on to Meridian, MS.
Seventy Mississippi State Troopers escorted across the state. It’s really something to watch them control traffic. The 99 miles from Jackson to Meridian was a straight shot on East on I20 with not a moving car in sight.
Enjoyed a good dinner, riders turned in their dirty clothes to the nice people who do our laundry and then it was off to the host hotel.
Tonight’s quote:
“I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led my a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep.” Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand
DISCLAIMER – Excuse the spelling and grammar errors, I am exhausted. It was so tempting not to bother to write a report.
Kristine, Thank you for digging deep and finding the time and energy to write this Sit-Rep for all of us! Your efforts are deeply appreciated.