May 28, 2011 - Mission Accomplished

Today we concluded our mission. We rode into Arlington National Cemetery some 400 bikes strong. We entered through the front gates and entrance way, unlike other years. We rode in single file past the long rows of neatly arranged headstones, each one representing at least one American hero who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I’m sure the other visitors to Arlington didn’t know what to make of our long procession of motorcycles. Each one was quieted, even the loud Harleys kept nearly silent as we were indeed on hallowed ground.

We saw the Guard of the Tomb of The Unknowns make his required 21 paces end to end, wait the required 21 seconds before each move, and resume his pace. In an unexpected change today the Guard on duty went into the Guard box for a while and was joined by another Old Guard member for a brief time. The rumor was that he had become overheated and had to retire to the Guard box to regroup and wet down his gloves to maintain his grip on his rifle. Many in attendance had never witnessed such before. But he resumed his pacing shortly and was replaced by the Changing of the Guard on the appointed hour – a ceremony we also witnessed.

Then they removed the existing wreath, removed one chain barrier, and our RFTW representatives assembled at the top of the stairs to begin the ceremony. The Commander of the Old Guard met them on the steps, had a few words of instruction, and then they marched down the steps, onto the truly hallowed ground of the actual tomb, presented the wreath, and returned up the steps. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes, but will last a lifetime in our memories. That is why we rode. Many wept significantly. All were affected

I had the distinct honor of walking both up to and away from the Tomb of the Unknowns with Sgt. Brian Mast, whom I mentioned yesterday. I should tell you that our bikes – and he rode in as a passenger on one – were parked on a rather steep hill nearly a half mile from the Tomb. It was a long walk, up many stairs, and quite strenuous for most of us. His pace was slower, but determined as Brian moved along. At one point I told him he was walking better on 2 artificial legs than I was on my real legs. He answered that that was because he didn’t get blisters. This young American Hero is indeed an inspiration to us all.

After the wreath laying we moved to the Lincoln Memorial for our group photo. It was the last time we’d all be together in a group. That was emotional. Many promised to return to Wytheville on their journey – and all said they’d visit us again in their thoughts!

Then we moved to The Wall. The Mission Accomplished plaque was presented and laid at the apex of The Wall. It was emotional. That presentation officially concludes the mission of RFTW 23. It is now history. But what a history!

I was honored to lay at The Wall a flag of the Blue Ridge Pepsi facility I’d been given to carry to The Wall. I also carried Maj. Bobby Jones’ poster to the panel on which his name appears and traced his name on The Wall. I thus fulfilled my promise. I feel close to him and hope to contact his family. At least they know he is not forgotten. I traced another name from The Wall for a friend. Many of the vets had a hard time getting to The Wall. Some could not get down there. Several were engulfed by other Riders as they broke down sobbing and unable to move forward for a while. One rider in particular froze up, sobbed heavily, and fell to his knees. The RFTW Family surrounded him, thus making him less visible, and comforted him until he was able to continue. He stood ram rod straight and saluted – with several others – in both directions of The Wall to respect those named there. It was hard for him, and for those of us who don’t fully appreciate his pain. Once Again, The Run heals. That’s why we rode.

I then visited Thunder Alley – an area off Constitution Ave, where vendors are set up to sell everything motorcycle or military. It’s a busy place. Then we returned to the hotels and dinner at the church. The Arlington Assembly of God offers barbeque ribs and chicken for all riders. They also furnish shuttle service, laundry, and allow camping on their grounds. It’s an amazing ministry they offer. And it’s muchly appreciated.

Then it was back to the hotel to hang out in the lobby. I received many wonderful comments about Wytheville. Many riders plan to return to visit us over the coming days and months. There is one military group which holds a bi-annual convention that is considering holding it in Wytheville. You never know what wonderful things might come from The Run.

Tomorrow we’ll ride back home. My head is swimming with the thoughts, emotions, visions, sights, and sounds of The Run. It will take me some time to process it all. I appreciate your following me. I have received wonderful comments from many folks about how it helped them explain The Run to those left at home. I am grateful for your support. I am extremely appreciative of how wonderful the Wytheville community has been of my ride. I hope it will pay dividends to our community for years to come. And I greatly appreciate the hard work of Rosa Jude and Justin Plaster in getting it all done!