Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
Senior Member
Joined: 02/02/2005
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I couldn't ride that mission, due to work, but happened to see the escort on the freeway. I posted a note of appreciation on our State PGR forum, and this gentleman responded with the update and the poem.
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Today a large number of riders from various veterans organizations were
humbled to escort six sets of unclaimed remains from the Vietnam era from the
Kitsap County Coroner's Office to Tahoma National Cemetery for a full military
honor burial. One rider estimated approximately 100 bikes in the procession. We
were escorted by the Washington State Patrol, Kitsap County Sheriff, and
other local law enforcement agencies. Also there were members of the U.S. Army
(and perhaps other branches, that I may not have seen.
Although there were no family members attending the service, it was
encouraging to see former service members and civilian bikers stand in support of
these men. I was proud to be able to represent the PGR in that ride.
Below is a poem I wrote for the men we honored today.
The Silent Sleeping Regiment
No Mothers to greet them,
Nor Bands to lead them,
Or laughing, happy children grasping
Or weeping, thankful wives embracing
They Come, these Brothers of the Silent, Sleeping Regiment.
Marching together, and yet, alone,
With steady rhythm and somber tone
Resting finally, resting silently
These men, these boys, at last come home.
These Brothers of the Silent, Sleeping Regiment.
No Herald of Courage
Or Sacrifice shown
All, with hearts and tunics unadorned
Save Duty, Honor Country and Home
These Brothers of the Silent, Sleeping Regiment.
To God we entrust them
With God we share them
With Mothers gentle arms enfolding
With bright Angel trumpets announcing,
They Come, these Brothers of the Silent, Sleeping Regiment
© 2008 Greg Austin
To any PGR members who rode with us today, thank you for your participation.
It was great to see the bold yellow scattered through the ride line.
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"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."
-Doug Larson
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