Dave and I rode with the most passionate and patriotic people last weekend. What a sight to see over 3000 bikes arriving for the patriot ride in Hamm Lake. The group consisted of Patriot Guard members, Tribute to the Troops riders, and Gold Star family and friends.
What a well organized gathering. After breakfast and checking out the many vendors, there was a program before the ride. One of our friends and fellow Gold Star mother, Joanne, who helped organize the Gold Star events for the day, talked of her introduction to the Patriot Guard with the death of her sons friend only about a year before her own son was killed in Irag.
There is always an exciting energy in the air when that many bikes start up at the same time. With that many bikes, the group left the park in waves. Along the route, there were hundreds of citizens, from babies to the elderly, out waving flags and signs of support. I always love to see the faces of people as that many motorcycles pass in a group. The smiles and look of awe makes me feel like I'm part of something wonderful, which I am.
A few miles before our designated stop, we drove past several Soldiers and Marines memorializing the Minnesota fallen in the past year, what a sobering way to remember what the ride is truly about.
At the Cambridge Armory there was a festival feeling. A band, food and a trick motorcycle riding demonstration. That is when the rain started! Even though we were getting wet, the attitude of the day did not change. When we left the armory, the rain picked up even more, so much more that I remember telling Dave, "I feel baptized!" But again, looking around, I saw nothing but smiles on faces, and the spectators on the side did not go home either.
The day ended with many speakers, a letter was read from a fallen soldier to his daughter, and retired WWII vet spoke. The colors were retired and taps played, always an emotional moment. Overall it was a great day spent with the most wonderful people I wish I had never met.
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