This morning, I had the pleasure of joining at least 300 bikers in escorting a piece of WTC steel to our Capital Building, where it will join a giant
flag as a Memorial to that day.
As with all of these events, it brings out a friendly bunch of bikers that range from the all black
Buffalo
Soldiers, to the Rebel Flag wearing crowd, to the female
Chrome Divas, to the all-important
Patriot Guard. There is nothing but solidarity, unity, and brotherhood/sisterhood between all the groups, and
they make me proud each and every time I attend a ride.
Today was no exception, it was a beautiful event, with a surreal tone of remembrance, and beautiful words from the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Sheriff,
Chaplains, and Color Guard. There was a bagpipe band, which always gives the perfect amount of sadness and reflection to a memorial. There was the
University band to provide the Energy and Patriotism. There were people standing on street corners to wave as we rode by, and there was a crowd at
the Capitol to welcome us as we arrived. Security was surprisingly light, and we parked our bikes right on the front sidewalks and secure lots of the
Capital building, inside the barricades, and without going through any security. From the folks I know, and the things I saw, I'm guessing better
than 50% were armed, so I suppose there wasn't a real need for security anyway!
There are already so many 9/11 threads, so I hesitated to post this, but it was an enriching and enlightening experience, so I hope everyone will join
me in sharing their own stories from today, and their own feelings in reflection of the 10-year anniversary.
* * * * * * * * * * * *To be entirely honest, I am a "Truther," whatever that means. I don't believe the official story, but I also don't think
it was some large scale government conspiracy operation, I just think there are a lot of anomalies, coincidences, and unanswered questions, and we
shouldn't just accept the packaged story. I am also a Tea Partier, but I absolutely do not support the Patriot Acts and on-going wars, even though I
fully support our troops that are faithfully fulfilling their duties. Those things always make me a little conflicted when thinking and discussing an
event like 9/11 with such a wonderful crowd of Patriots, but I often find that my views are shared by many, and it doesn't temper their patriotism in
the least.
It makes me proud to think that a lot of our soldiers and firemen and police and paramedics were just kids 10 years ago, and despite the
horrendous event, they still chose to pursue a life of public service. I think they show true heroism in their voluntary risks and sacrifices. It is
amazing to think Jr High, Middle School, and Elementary Kids watching 9/11 on live TV are now the very adults that are striving to make sure it
doesn't happen again, and if it does happen again, they are there to help. Truly amazing.
It makes me very sad to think that those same kids are growing up in a generation that doesn't realize how many rights they have
already given up. Things like indefinite detentions, sealed warrants, paramilitary house raids, constant wire-tapping, and TSA procedures are all too
common and normal for them. Think how far gone we will be in another 10 years?!?!?! For all of their heroic efforts, and despite the fact that there
were no follow up attacks, it seems we have lost the war anyway, and Terror has won.
Think back today on the good along with the bad. Here are a few pictures from my morning, and despite my personal confliction, I was happy to
memorialize the steel, and support the personnel that served that day, and still serve today.
It is great to be an American, and great to be able to voice my Patriotism, and my Displeasure without fear of reprisal, and it is great to get up on
a cool 60 degree morning, join hundreds of like-minded, yet culturally and politically diversified individuals for peaceful reflection and then ride
our loud motorcycles through the streets of the city, and get warm and friendly waves, and watch as cars wait patiently at red and green lights, and
pull to the side to watch us pass, and wave and smile, because they understand the significance of the solidarity the escort shows. It was a GREAT
MORNING!!
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