Hundreds of motorcycle riders were in the procession this morning escorting the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall from Le Roy to the Veterans' Home in Batavia.
As local law enforcement cleared the way, the procession moved swiftly through town.
The Moving Wall will be on display through the weekend, night and day, with opening ceremonies at 5 p.m., today.
If you have not seen the Wall
If you have not seen the Wall in Washington DC, or this one in the past, it's well worth it.
I have been to see them both,
I have been to see them both, it is a very emotional time, to think of all those people who gave so much. It is so BEAUTIFUL AND SAD at the same time.
Thank you the great pictures
Thank you the great pictures Howard. I kept seeing a lot of bikes this morning and you captured it! I've been to the Wall in DC, very powerful stuff, you feel so small when you realize how many thousands of names there are the names start 1 or 2 rows then row by row the names keep building upward above your head. My Husband I are going this weekend. I hear they will be playing Taps at Sundown when they lower the Flag each night. Should be great to take kids to so they get an idea of what happens during war and how lucky we all are and thankful to all the men & women in uniform.
I was able to chaperone my
I was able to chaperone my sons class trip to Washington almost 10 years ago. While at the Vietnam Memorial wall a Vietnam veteran who had been wounded was attempting to get rubbings of names off the wall. As he struggled a young soldier in desert fatigues approached and held the paper while the veteran traced. To see the two soldiers of different generations honoring the fallen in unison was one the most poignant images I've ever seen. I'll never forget it.
What a great privilege it was
What a great privilege it was to be part of the motorcycle escort for the Moving Wall this morning.
I have a son "deep" in country in Afghanistan...very much in harms way. SSgt Mac, that ride was for you.
Semper Fi.
DAD
Randy McIntire
Have been to "The Wall" in
Have been to "The Wall" in D.C. and then again when it was up at the airport. I can't think of anything that has been more of an emotional experience. Each time I could only thank God that my husband's name wasn't there and that he was standing with me.
If you haven't been to "The Wall", prepare yourself for something that will rack your heart. So many were lost with such little appreciation given to both the living and dead at the time. There were no parades; no flags lowered; no welcome home banners as they came off the planes. Thank God we have finally realized that no matter what they are fighting for "over there" they are doing the job that they have been asked to do so that it stays "over there".
Our thanks to all the men and women of the US Armed Forces both here and abroad.
I don't care what your
I don't care what your politics are, neo-con or paleo-con; bleeding heart or liberal hawk, interventionist or non-interventionist -- Visiting the Wall in DC is something you will never forget.
I had 2 of the POW MIA
I had 2 of the POW MIA bracelets from early 70's one of which I still have on my dresser,both men's remains have not yet been returned from incountry. I have visited the DC original and have etchings from same; it is a truly heart wrenching presence and last time the replicas were here in Gen County it was no less so to see so many names of men and women who gave the ultimate gift and paid the ultimate price for their Country.
The Vietnam Unknown was
The Vietnam Unknown was transported aboard the USS Brewton to Alameda Naval Base, Calif. The remains were sent to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., May 24. The Vietnam Unknown arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., the next day. Many Vietnam veterans and President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan visited the Vietnam Unknown in the U.S. Capitol.
We had visited "the Wall" the day before the Unknown Soldier arrived in DC.
Two of my sons (12 & 18) and I, visited the Vietnam Unknown on May 25, 1984 in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. We witnessed the silent changing of the guard. It was a sobering experience. As we filed out of the Capitol, we were aware of floral pieces, hand written notes, medals and other items on either side of us. Reading the notes, left by family and friends of those who never returned and who were never identified was heart wrenching.
(The remains of the Vietnam Unknown were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant.)
I thank God every day that my
I thank God every day that my brother, Sgt.Linford V. Gamin, returned safely home from the Vietnam War. God Bless all those who fight for our freedom!