MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_OCTOBER 25, 2013
Thank You
Recently it has come to my attention I have fussed about those who lead us in Washington, sometimes to excess according to my wife.
This week I want to thank some special folks who work for the federal government and I see under less than perfect circumstances almost weekly.
They would be the men and women who work tirelessly at the Sarasota National Cemetery to make sure those who have served this country are properly treated and taken care of after their passing, no matter what.
The ‘no matter what’ part is what I want to address in this column.
During the government shutdown those who man the National Cemeteries worked throughout to provide the best and most respectful interments, with utmost dignity.
Tuesday a week ago I attended a service for ‘Heroes Without Family’ for a man who had served in the US Air Force, one year of which was in Vietnam. The gentleman had no known family or friends.
This is where honor, respect and dignity come in the form of men and women who ride motorcycles and for the most part have served in the military. They become the family for these warriors. They are known as the Patriot Guard Riders, Vietnam Brotherhood, Knights of Columbus and other service organizations.
As I have said many times before “no person should die alone and should not be committed to the hallow grounds of a National Cemetery without family or friends present. Those who we have lost put themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation and our way of life and “It is the right thing to do.”
For more information on Sarasota National Cemetery go to cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/sarasota.asp or call (941) 922-7200. The cemetery is located at 9810 State Road 72 (Clark Road), Sarasota, FL.
Wreaths Across America
November 1st – Again this year Firkins Chrysler Jeep along with 106.5 CTQ are supporting Wreaths Across America, to ensure every hero at the Sarasota National Cemetery receives a holiday wreath upon their headstone.
Rodney Atkins will make a guest appearance at Ranch Grill Restaurant and Sports Bar (14475 SR 70), Lakewood Ranch at lunch time. The purchase of 2 Wreaths you will get a chance to meet him. For more information go to: http://www.1065ctq.com/pages/wreathsacrossamerica.html#ixzz2i1dOmtoP
Bike Events
October 27th – 2 pm – 8 pm.
Stragglers Bar, 5580 Swift Road, Sarasota FL
Cancer Benefit for Sean Courtney (U.S. Marine Sergeant/Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sean was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early August 2013.
November 2nd – 4th Annual – Flight to the North Pole Car and Bike Show – 600 301 Blvd West, Bradenton (Manatee County’s Sheriff Office)
Benefits terminally ill children!
For more information call (941) 747-3011
Should you have any comments and/or suggestions please email me at PGRTerry@gmail.com. Have a great weekend and remember; “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warriors.”
God Bless America and all those who serve to protect us.
Terry Longpre