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Sandbox SITREP May 29, 2023

Northstar Polaris provided breakfast. It’s always a great day when there’s breakfast.

The sun was coming up and the sky was a light golden-orange. It was promising to be a beautiful day although later the wind kicked up.

Small-town celebrations are best. There was a band and a flag group that performed the National Anthem and the Military Song Medley. The Mayor spoke as well as other dignitaries, and they welcomed us with open arms.

Honor guard.

 

Audrey read a poem a Gold Star member write specifically for Memorial Day. It was not about barbecues or fishing or boating. It was about the reason we have our country and our freedom.

It was about our veterans, our military, our civilians who have stood for our country. It’s about the reason we will never forget.

Last year Audrey and Jed ran ahead on the Sandbox Route to get on some of the overpasses to wave at the run as it came through. A couple stopped to find out what was going on. They explained RFTW to them. They stayed and waved. Then their son showed up. He was a veteran and also stayed. More and more people stopped and then stayed, including police.

This year we heard that that couple helped organize people and even had a fire department vehicle so there would be folks there and waving. The interest created by Jed and Audrey was amazing.

Going into Ohio Audrey, Dan and I ran ahead so they could give them yellow RFTW t-shirts and pins for creating the interest. We got to the overpass. Nothing. No one. So we went to the next exit. Nothing no one. Get along folks. Nothing to see here.

We decided to run back to the first overpass we’d gone to to see if anyone was there. Maybe they were late.

Kelsey, Carleen, Audrey, Larry, Jean. Dan, Kimber, Chip, Cindy.

Yep we had people and a fire department vehicle. It was awesome to see that enthusiasm for the RFTW Sandbox Route.

Hunters Moon Harley-Davidson opened their building so we could have our evening meal. It was hosted by Honor Bound and The Worship Church served it. Brisket and the trimmings. You can’t go wrong.

Mount Hope Church has done so much for us. And we thank them, as well as the City of Lafayette for all they’ve done to support us. Thank you.

Tonight was awards night as tomorrow we arrive at our destination early.

Bryan and Lurch. Bryan’s groups have made us very welcome, as has the City of Lafayette.

The evening closed as the sun shone on all of us and we sat with full bellies and shared friendship and camaraderie.

Peppermint Patti
Never forget

“These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor — and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.”  Michael N. Castle

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