464 Nomads

Today was a great day - by Jason

Lee, Clyde, Marda, Bryan, Ron, Lisa and I all took part in the program today. It was REALLY cold this morning and Bryan was the only one of us who was brave enough to ride. After watching the other bikers ride today Ron and I took a solemn vow that we will never again 'Cage It' when we participate in this event going forward. I cannot remember ever seeing so much freezing fog on any morning.

We met at the weigh station around 6:30 am and I cannot remember ever seeing so much freezing fog as there was on the drive to the weigh station. As the bikers pulled in most of them were covered in ice from the ride through the fog. We met as a group to get instructions, had a very good prayer moment together and then pulled out shortly after 7:15. I believe we had somewhere between 60-80 bikes with about 10 vehicles trailing. We had a police escort the entire way down and they did an outstanding job keeping traffic controlled.

After we reached the cemetary we all converged on the coffee/hot chocolate tent. After warming up a bit we were able to unload two semi trailers full of wreaths and help distribute them across the cemetary. There was a lot of people helping and we made short work of the hundreds of boxes. 

Once we were done we walked along to look at some of the grave stones and I could tell each person in the group felt that it was an honor to be on such hollowed ground. One of the saddest but coolest sites of the day was the Combat Vets gathered around a members grave and they had draped his riding vest over his grave stone. It was a great way to honor one of their own.

I am not nearly as articulate as other writers within our charter but as I walked through the graveyard it truly helped me again what it means to live in a free nation. As I get older and now have kids just a few years from moving out into the world it makes me appreciate the blessing of being able to know that they also will be able to continue living in a free nation and that freedome was paid for with the lives of those who have defended our country.

I have said this before I never meant it more than when I type... It is an honor to know and ride with all my veteran friends. Thank you for your service and God Bless You.