Today began dark and early, I know you’re surprised by that!
Morning Rider’s meeting, 1st Nav shared the story of Silverdale Confederate Cemetery and the 155 unidentified souls interred in the cemetery. Since Southern Route has started contributing to the cemetery, 40 remains have been identified.
After 1st Nav’s introduction to the cemetery, Santa Ed auctioned off two Silverdale Cemetery patches. Not really, he just showed them and remembered when patches were really auctioned off. Instead of auctioning the patches, hats were passed to raise money for the cemetery. Riders donated $1,800 to continue to search for the Missing in Action interred at Silverdale Cemetery. This is one of my favorite things the run supports. What better fits the RFTW mission than supporting the identification of American Soldiers, interred in their own country???
From Chattanooga, it was on to the T/A Truck Stop. Road Guard Scout, Gonzo had been waiting DAYS for this stop and enjoyed the donuts to the fullest 😝.
One more gas stop and then we were off for Bristol-Black Wolf Harley Davidson. A nice lunch was waiting for us with all the cold drinks we could ever want for.
After that it was onto Wytheville, VA a small town with a huge patriotic heart. The town welcomed us with much fanfare. We parked our bikes on the sidewalk that rims the town center. A nice ceremony was conducted and it was off to the Moose Lodge for a steak dinner.
Today Southern Route went on an incredible Outreach in Dalton, GA to the sister and 101.5 year old mother of Maj. Bobby Jones, Vietnam MIA. 1st Nav & Wookie have carried his bio the last several years across country; “reading his story is moving enough but actually meeting the family and hearing about what they’ve been living with for over 4 decades….this is why we ride.” Thanks 1st Nav for sharing the experience with us.
I have got to get more sleep, before I crash my bike. I have more stories to share but they will have to wait. If you are wondering if Run for the Wall is right for you, I promise you it is, this ride will change your life.
Tonight’s thought: Duty, honor, country
As young West Point cadets, our motto was ‘duty, honor, country.’ But it was in the field from the ride paddies of Southeast Asia to the sands of the Middle, that I learned the motto’s fullest meaning. There I saw gallant young Americans of every race, creed and background fight, and sometimes die for ‘duty, honor, and their country’.” General Norman Schwarzkopf
DISCLAIMER – I am not only too tired to proofread, I am exhausted. More tomorrow.
