the capability with the English language to describe what I experienced today. Oh, it was a long, grueling day alright, left the driveway at 5:20 am and returned at 9:20 pm. I was so thoroughly chilled that after a hot shower the skin on my legs was still cold to the touch. A total of 489 miles on the Marauder, the cross winds blowing so hard I felt like I was in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson.
But those memories will fade quickly and the positive memories from today will linger in my mind forever. To be a part of a flag line of 200 4′ x 5′ American flags blowing in those strong winds. To have officers from the Marine Corps shake the hand of each and every person on the flag line, thanking them for being there. To be in a 10 mile funeral procession, flags flying on our bikes, winding our way through San Antonio into Fort Sam Houston for the burial ceremony. To witness the precision of the young men tasked as pallbearers. To hear taps played like never before. To see and hear a 21 gun salute to LCPL Luke Holler. To listen to the presentation of his Purple Heart to his grieving mother. To listen to the bagpipes playing the Marine song. To witness the Marine helicopters fly over in a final farewell. To be called into a circle after the ceremony and see a Lt. Colonel break down in tears thanking us for being there. To hear the father of a son killed in Iraq tell how much it meant to his family that the Patriot Guard was there at his son’s funeral in August, so much so that he joined and rode with us today.
Yes, soon I’ll forget the physical tiredness of the ride today. May I never forget to honor those that have given their lives for me.
What a great “high” this must have been! Thanks for taking the time to participate!
A high as none other. If you click on the picture, it will link to all of my pics from the day. I was in the line so the pics aren’t all that great or complete, there are more from Diesel at Yahoo.