Today is Memorial Day. I am at home, usually I am at The Wall. Couldn't make it this year due to my stroke. All week I have watched many bikes from all over the US and North America unite here in DC to REMEMBER! Each year draws more. The count this 2008 is 400,000 riders here. The enormity of the event is beyond words: you have to feel it.
We remember our departed brothers and sisters this day, we should remember each and every day. This is what it really is about. For a long time I have been involved with the POW/MIA issues. I won't get political, but will say one thing. Just one day a year many in command laud our fallen and missing. One day! The families of them live it every day.
Since the late 80's I have been to them all. Some as a spectator, others in the fray. The ride from the Pentagon to The Wall is probably one of the most emotional occassions I have felt. If you want a taste view all four parts off this link -
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Here is another more professionally produced to see -
- Add this event to your "Bucket List". It is not to be missed. Here's another Rolling Thunder link; warning it is loud.
I want to salute and remember one particular person, Col. Charles E. Shelton, shot down serving the USA. Colonel Charles E. Shelton, a native son of Owensboro, Kentucky, was shot down over Sam Neu Province, Laos April 29th, 1965, his 33rd birthday. He was captured three days later by Laotian Communist troops. His fate has not ever been made public... You can read more on our site lastpow.com if you are interested. The image below is of Charles' empty casket place in Arlinton.
Here's a bit more to ponder this day. This is a great video for today.
High Flight
by Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
I hope I have not offended any here, I just ask we REMEMBER.
AJ