Flags for Hero's Ride

Here is my HOG Chapter 1 News Article piece that I did back in May 2011:

“FLAGS FOR HEROES RIDE”

05/28/11

     On Saturday May 28, 2011 I was able to be a part of something bigger than myself.  For the first time ever I was given one of the most honorable opportunities and that was to escort the World Trade Center Beams from Harley Davidson of Indianapolis down to Louisville, KY and back to Indianapolis with the H.O.G. Chapter 1.

     When my husband and I pulled into the Harley Davidson of Indianapolis dealership this morning, I stood in awe, seeing those beams up close was astounding and brought chills to my body.  As I stood there and gazed at those beams, I couldn’t help but think of all the lives that were lost and all the families that were affected.  As I helped get all the riders and their passengers registered I looked at every single person in awe thinking that even after ten years we “Have Not Forgotten”. 

     This ride was a tribute, and seeing all the bikers come out and support this cause was out of this world.  As we got started on the ride I couldn’t help but notice as cars drove by and came upon the beams in shock realizing what we were riding for.  They were eager to slow down just to get beside the beams and pull out their cell phones to take pictures as they drove by.  Some people were smiling, others giving us riders thumb’s ups!  This was so moving to see that as I was sitting on the back of our motorcycle, I held my head up high with tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat, and a pain in my heart and thought to myself, it’s not everyday that you get this kind of opportunity to do what we did today.  I have never been more proud to be an American.  This was a very humbling experience as well as very emotional. 

     Let me tell you when we pulled into the rest stop in southern Indiana, this huge crowd of bikers became still and hushed in honor of the WTC Beams and the American Flag that draped over it.  What an awesome experience!

     I gazed at the American Flag and many thoughts went racing through my mind.  One thought stood out the most and that was exactly what our American Flag stood for.  We all have been brought up with the normal standards of what the flag stands for but today it stood for so much more than I was taught as a child.  For the first time, I was emotionally involved in its meaning.  The American Flag stands for our Freedom, Perseverance, and Justice.  Without the men and women, who have served, died and are still serving for USA we Americans would not have the freedom we have today.  GOD BLESS THE USA and all the Armed Forces, Emergency Responders and all serving this beautiful country.  You are our HEROES….We Will Never Forget! Our prayers go out to all family and friends who lost their loved ones in this tragic event and the history of events that followed.

With Pride to be an American