TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED --MANY THANKS

Well so far I have not been real successful in taking this blog in the direction I wanted to go with the first few posts..Other than my brief story about Sgt. Riccio nothing else seemed to fit into place..First my friends who elected to remain silent about their war time experiences and now - the weather..

A few miles from my house is a HARLEY DAVIDSON dealer.. Being centrally located on a main road it is not uncommon to always see a large number of motorcycles there..The location has become a convenient meeting place (or assembly area) of local enthusiasts who then ride off in packs to join other groups at a final destination..Once there, they will assemble further then depart on a “run” that usually benefits one of many social organizations..

Being Memorial Day I had planned to be there snapping pictures of the YANKEE HARLEY DAVIDSON pack, but the morning rain and thunder destroyed my plans..Nearly every bike would have been flying the red white and blue, many would also be displaying the familiar MIA flag. There is a indefinable link between many bikers and the military, and a number of clubs have been formed whose membership is made up exclusively of veterans..Perhaps the men and women who have served, know better than most what it is to lose your freedom..To those who have defended it, freedom has a much fuller flavor..I doubt that any enjoy the freedom of the road and the feel of a good motorcycle more than the warrior turned biker..

I have a link to one such “RUN” that was organized by “OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER” very impressive, turn up your speakers and enjoy it..(click here)  

keep in mind that the procession was over four hours long!!

Memorial Boulevard lies in the center of my hometown, Bristol, Ct..There are monuments displayed the length of the roadway.. I have featured the Vietnam Memorial because a few of the names are known to me..To all veterans, past, present and to come—Thanks for your service..To Sgt. Ed Riccio Jr.-To my friend who carried a Browning automatic rifle across the frozen landscape of Korea-My friend who served alongside the Green Berets—My friend who served as a Marine Corps sniper—I am honored to have known you-I am honored to call you my friends..

NOTE FROM TIME TRAVELER--MY LINK MISSED-YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO GOOGLE-DO IT-IT'S WORTH IT!!! (LONG VERSION -3 min)
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