Terry Longpre 04-26-18

American Patriot’s

Last week I wrote regarding the ‘Memorial Day Flag Placement’ at Sarasota National Cemetery on May 26th.

This week, I want to address the 15th Annual Memorial Day Ride (Bike Run) to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. I received an email from a friend of mine, Retired Marine Corps Colonel Ron Rook who has orchestrated this run since its inception.

The run is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club a group which I was a member at one time.

This run is to pay tribute to those fallen men and women who gave their lives to ensure that we can continue to enjoy all the rights, freedoms, and privileges that we have in America today.

The ride will start at the I-75 rest area 1-1/2 miles north of the I-75 & I-275 split located on the east side (northbound) side of I-75. Arrival time no later than 9:00 AM with kickstands up precisely at 9:30 AM (after all, it is being run by a Marine). The Memorial Service starts at Bushnell at 11:00 AM. Flag bikes are highly encouraged, however, make sure the flags are road worthy at high speeds. In years past we have had problems with flags disconnecting from the motorcycle, going airborne becoming a safety concern and road hazard.

For more information contact Ron Rook by phone at 813-453-6431 or by email at rookrp@verizon.net.

Over the years it appears real investigative journalism has been minimized to the point in some cases it is on the verge of stupidity. Major newspapers write their stories and the lesser papers pick up the story and add their sidebar notes thus personalizing the storyline. I’m not a journalist; however, I do have an investigative background in law enforcement and sometimes ask myself why they didn’t ask this or that, and the question would have been answered. In the rush to bring ‘breaking news’ or writing the story with a political twist the actual news is lost.

For many years I have been bothered by those using the word(s) Cop or Cops when describing law enforcement personnel. I understand the term has been around since first used in England back in the days of old. I personally find it to be offensive and demeaning to those who put a badge and weapon on to protect us daily. For you folks who think I’m just fussing about nothing, here is a challenge for you. Go to the Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, or the Florida Highway Patrol and apply for a job. If you can pass the background investigation and initial testing you will begin your physical conditioning, firearms training as well as studies involved to help you understand the Constitution, Federal and State Laws. If you make the cut, you will be assigned to a training officer where you will ride with him or her until you complete the required training period. At that point, you will be assigned a position and a vehicle if appropriate and will become one of those who wears the badge, and you will become the thin blue line between a civilized society and chaos.

Thank those who protect you, don’t demonize them.

God bless America.

Terry Longpre