We had a wonderful breakfast at the Salem VFW hall. Then there were awards presented to many folks. One recipient was Sgt. Dan Jesse, Virginia State Police, Ret. Sgt. Jesse has protected us as we rode for many years. He retired 12/31/10, but arrived early today to meet his many, many friends and ride on to DC with The Family. I should also point out that the new Trooper who took his position on the team that protects us got – and wore – his FNG badge. It was great to see Dan and have him ride with us! The FNG’s were instructed to turn their FNG badges upside down as they are now “official” Riders. Southern Route Coordinator Preacher Moore announced that he was departing from past protocols and naming Pam Cain and Keroni Forrester (two of our MIA Daughters riding with us, their Fathers are still missing in Viet Nam) as the Southern Route representatives to lay the wreath at Arlington Cemetery tomorrow. They were very surprised and it was all emotional. There was a standing ovation that lasted a long time. This is why we ride.
The running order was reversed today as the trikes and trailers left earlier than the rest of us two-wheelers. We had Platoon meetings, said our “Until we see each other agains,” (no one says goodbye as we aren’t ending it nor parting permanently, only for a time) and readied to depart Salem, VA. Many of us wore rain gear as the skies were threatening. But we managed to stay dry and ahead of the rain. We rolled out of Salem about 7:00AM. The two gas stops today were both donated. So we breezed thru them. At the afternoon stop we were given delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the Tree of Life Ministries Church. It was our last chance to be together as a platoon. There were business cards exchanged, hugs, and yes, tears too. Then we mounted up for the final 67 miles into Arlington. Traffic increased, but the Road Guards and State Police led us thru with no difficulty and we got into the Maymont University Parking lot before 2:00PM. All is well.
I rode a total of 6131 miles from Wytheville into the hotel today. It was wonderful! I highly recommend it to everyone! It is very exciting, emotional, and therapeutic. The friendships formed there are strong and long lasting.
Mission almost accomplished. We have a ceremony tonight and wreath laying tomorrow. But we are all safely here in Arlington as the Central Route arrived about an hour after us. Southern Route had almost 600 bikes and Central Route had over 400. So there are about 1000 motorcycles resting in Arlington tonight! We are almost done!
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