Military & Motorcycles – August 31, 2012

Published on August 31, 2012 under Born To Ride

Things to Ponder

As anyone can imagine the summer months are slow as far a motorcycle runs and events due to obvious reasons, heat, rain, and sometimes high winds.

As a writer I find myself drifting off track of my responsibility in so much as I have to find interesting areas to write about.

I was at a “Bike Night” at one of the local Harley-Davidson dealers this last Saturday evening. As I looked around, I saw numerous riders who had been in the military at one time or another.

A few days ago, I received an email telling me Jane Fonda would portray Nancy Reagan in an upcoming movie.

I have to tell you it took about 1.5 seconds for my blood to start to boil. I can remember Hanoi Jane, her speeches, photo op in North Vietnam and her demonstrations during the Vietnam War.

I know some of you will say, “Ah, she apologized” some years later (39 to be exact) and she was sorry for her actions. Maybe that works for you but it doesn’t for me and a lot of veterans like me.

Others have demonstrated against various wars, however not many went into the heart of a foreign country who we were at war with and made the statements she did.

I personally feel she should have been arrested and tried for treason, but that’s just my personnel feelings. If it were left up to me there would be an extremely hot place for her at the end of her career, but I also know God forgives us of our sins. And by the way, I will not be seeing the upcoming film.

As far as biker news, don’t forget the 9-11 activities this year. Please let us gather together to remember those who we lost on 9-11-2001 and those who have since given their lives serving in the military.

The Blue Knights FL XVIII Remembrance Ride Ceremony will be open to any riders. Meet at Palmetto’s Sutton Park (southwest corner of 7^th Street and 10 Avenue W) at 9 am for a 9:30 am Manatee County Heroes’ Memorial Service.

After the ceremony we will ride as a group, south on US-301 past the 9/11 Memorials at Southern Manatee Fire Headquarters (behind Flowers bakery), and Sarasota Police Department at Payne Park, then onto the unveiling of the Salt of the Earth USA’s new Sarasota/Venice 9/11 WTC I Beam Memorial at Patriot’s Park (North Business 41 split, Venice).

Manatee County 9-11 Remembrance Ride—Riders will meet at 5:00 pm and leave promptly at 6:30 pm from Lockwood Ridge Road and University Pkwy (old Albertson’s lot). We will ride to Tarpon Point Grill and Tiki Hut for a Memorial Service along the Manatee River.

Both rides are free and open to all “motorcycles.” Remember there will be no escorts and the RULES OF THE ROAD will apply during both rides.

God Bless America and those who serve to protect us in uniform.

Terry Longpre