November 11, 2011
Colorado, USA
Texas -- Today North Texas bikers rode out and solemnly stood in silent respect beside their motorcycles on a hill overlooking the Veteran's Day Ceremony at Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Wichita Falls.
Slide show of today's mission (41 photos):
UPDATE: Letter to the Editors of the Times Record News
Published November 21, 2011
Nezzie Foster, Wichita Falls
Veterans — Thank you for your service
The dedication of a lifetime.
This past Veterans Day meant a lot to a single man.
He woke early and prepared for the day's events. He wondered if the events so carefully planned would go as hoped.You see he is a 20-year veteran, serving his country in the U. S. Air Force and still serving with respect as a Patriot Guard rider. He was, as they would say in biker terms, "leathered up."
He went to the garage, mounted his "iron horse" with leathers on and American, POW-MIA and Patriot Guard flags attached to the bike. He looked at me and said, "I hope everything goes as planned and I hope my fellow riders show up to support me and the missions before me." I smiled and said, "Ride safe, stand tall and silent for you will be standing for those who stood for you."
He had two Veterans Day ceremonies to attend with the purpose to honor veterans. He is dedicated to his country, the flag and the men and women who have served and are no longer with us.
He supports the men and women of our military who serve our country today. He is not a young man, but is young-at-heart and devoted to doing the right thing for the right reason. I am proud to call him "my hero, my Veteran."
If you see him somewhere standing the flag line at a veteran's funeral, a homecoming for our men and women or riding in a parade with flags waving proudly, stop and shake his hand and say "Thank you for your service, sir." Those words mean more to a veteran than any other words.
He is a Vietnam veteran and served his country well. The missions of Nov. 11 were a great success.
He said, in his humble fashion, that he owes that success to all the Patriot Guard riders who helped him make the day special for him and for the other Americans who paused on 11-11-11 to honor veterans.
"Patriotism ... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." ~~ Adlai Stevenson
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