Military & Motorcycles – December 14, 2013
Last week I mentioned the upcoming “Wreaths Across America” Project and the laying of wreaths at Sarasota National Cemetery. Again, if you have never been to the cemetery you owe it to yourself to take time to visit even if you are not a veteran.
For those who are motorcyclists the Patriot Guard Riders will be escorting a Wal-Mart semi, which will contain the 5,000 plus wreaths needed for each headstone at the cemetery.
For those who may be interested here is the information on the escort.
Date and Time: December 15 – Staging 7:30 AM
Location: I-75 Southbound Rest Area (mile marker 238)
Arrival time at Sarasota National Cemetery will be approximately 9:00 AM with the ceremony beginning at 9:30 AM.
For more information please contact either Jim ‘Vinnie’ Dryer (PGR Ride Captain) at 941-713-4681 / gljimd@yahoo.com or Colonel Bill Brockman at 941-232-4221 / brockmanzoo47@hotmail.com.
Also, I was sent the following invitation by ‘Bo’ McCormick (Founder-Special Forces Motorcycle Club/Fort Myers).
Motorcyclists are being invited to join in an escort ride for the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (Vietnam Memorial Wall). I have been asked once again to be the Road Captain for the motorcycle escort that will be arriving in Fort Myers on Thursday, January 17, 2013. This is part of a weekend of events, which includes a Nationalization Ceremony, American Heroes Air Show, and displays that will take place at the new JetBlue Stadium Complex located just off Daniels Parkway east of I-75 at 1150 Fenway S. Drive, Ft. Myers, FL 33913.
Anyone or groups interested in participating in this motorcycle escort please contact ‘Bo’ at 239-994-7584 / specialforcesmc@yahoo.com.
This will be a law enforcement (Lee County Sheriff’s Office) escorted ride.
Date and time: January 17 – Staging at 12:00 noon
Location: Southbound I-75 weight station a mile south of Exit 161 (Jones Loop-Punta Gorda) in the rear parking lot. DO NOT RIDE ACROSS THE SCALES.
Departure Time: Promptly at 1 PM
Note: Escort will be travelling at interstate speeds. If your flags are not setup for highway speeds please keep them encased.
Sarasota National Cemetery Direct Burial Memorial Service
Memorial Services are held the 2nd Wednesday of Each Month at 3:00 PM. The service will consist of prayers, participation from the audience to read the veterans names aloud, Followed by Full Military Honors and presentation of honorary flag. Family members of these veterans are notified so they may be in attendance.
Location: SNC – 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota
For more information contact cemetery personnel at (941) 922-7200.
I promised myself I would try to get through the CHRISTmas season without saying anything about the condition of our government or our country. I have to admit it has been an exercise in mind over matter. All I want to say is this, “For those elected officials in Washington, put on your big boy pants, and get your work done for ‘We the People’ who pay your salaries.”
If you would like to contact me, please do so at PGRTerry@gmail.com and remember, “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warriors.” God Bless America and all those who serve in uniform.