A little background: The Wall was dedicated in 2004 with the names of men and women that have given their lives in worldwide conflicts since 1979, particularly the Middle East Conflicts. Each year, new names are added to honor our fallen heroes - this year, over 500 more names were carved into the stone. There is a museum with stories and mementos of some who served. The Run starts at the Grundy County Fairground and thousands of bikers ride every year. -we only rode with the group once since we prefer the back roads, but it was definitely something to be a part of- People line the streets along the entire route to support and see those who ride. At the event, there is live music all day, the streets are lined with tents, food and drinks, merchandise, auctions, raffles, benefits, and donations that all in some way benefit either our veterans or those currently serving overseas.
Now, I love to ride, although I wouldn't consider myself a "biker chick" (too busy/conscientious with kids and all) but if I ride once a year, this is it. I was even the one to push the hubby into making sure the bike was ready to ride this year. The cause of supporting our troops is just that important to me. Every year, we each purchase a dog tag with the name of a hero who was KIA and the proceeds go to the vets. Until this year though, I was not aware that it was the bikers that arranged for the wall to be built, and then the run followed, not as many would imagine of the wall having been built through another cause and the bikers then following up with another reason for a ride. It really brings about a pride and an endearment to the biking community - an honestly great group of people.
We went to the ceremony held at the wall where each added name is read only one time before, but this was the first year we ventured into the museum. The stories of the soldiers that gave their lives are so heavy they will bring anyone to tears. I was so emotionally charged that I had to leave after just a little while. Thinking/typing about it brings tears to my eyes even now. The story of Patrick Tillman, who turned down a 3.6 million dollar contract to play NFL for the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the Army Rangers after the 9-11 attacks, then killed in Afghanistan is just one of many compelling stories in that room. It is always so hard to see friends and family grieving at the wall for their heroes and it really hits home. I am beyond grateful that those I know enlisted in our armed forces have remained safe.
Then there are the bikes, or rather, pieces of art... with stories of their own:
This was a NYC September 11, 2001 Firefighter:
This soldier was killed in a voluntary deployment after having already served... his father had been previously killed riding this bike (you can see the one and only place of damage on the bike):
It will be wonderful to finally have all our heroes home safe.
Here are a few articles with further info:
http://www.ilmotorcyclefreedomrun.org/news.php
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-06-17-war-memorial-illinois_n.htm
http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/articles/2011/06/22/22491590/index.xml
http://news.maars.net/blog/2011/06/17/memorial-wall-honors-victims-of-recent-wars/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Tillman
