Mission Complete – Bells Elementary School Veteran’s Day Observance, Bells, Texas
36 Bikes, 2 Cages, and 45 Patriot Guard Riders staged at 8 AM. We welcomed the new PGR members and completed the Mission Briefing. The short ride to the school proceeded uneventfully thanks to outstanding Road Guard support. We parked the bikes in a single row, so as to allow the students to file past them, enroute to the gym. I don’t know who was more enthusiastic, the students or teachers/administrators. I believe we “captured” a number of future motorcycle riders on Friday!
We entered the gym and lined up along the wall of the gym, which was standing-room only. The Bells High School band provided patriotic music, and did a great job. The Student Council leadership conducted the program professionally and proudly.
It was my honor to speak on your behalf, I told about our humble beginnings, our mission, and our explosive growth. I also related my personal “whys”. I was followed by Command Sergeant Major Robert Poole, Viet Nam veteran and now a member of the Army Transformation Team. He spoke about patriotism and military service. The student essay winners read their essays, and I was touched by their heartfelt sentiments.
The Youth Pastor from Denison’s Truth Tabernacle Church, Darren Gilbert, gave a moving tribute to SGT James Muldoon. You may recall that our missions for SGT Muldoon and his family were my first as Ride Captain. This mission will always have a special place in my heart and I was overwhelmed with emotion as Darren spoke. When he concluded his remarks, I called the PGR to attention and we saluted SGT Muldoon’s wife, children and parents.
Another highlight was the presentation of awards to a Korean War Veteran whom had never received them from the Army. State Representative Larry Phillips presented a shadow box containing a CIB, UN Service Medal and other items from his service. They also presented a Purple Heart. I was a bit troubled by the lack of protocol for the medal presentation, and in my own way inserted a bit of that protocol.
The Student Council then passed a microphone through the crowd and each Veteran introduced themselves by stating their name, service branch, and terms of service. The observance closed with a Veteran’s Walk of Fame, whereby we filed through a corridor of students as they thanked us for our service. The Daughter’s of the American Revolution provided refreshments, following the service.
Numerous folks worked very hard to put on this observance. At the risk of leaving someone out, I thank the following people: Principal Rebecka Pritchard, 6th Grade Teacher Vicki French, Student Council Officers, and the DAR chapter members. Special thanks to our Road Guards, you know who you are. Finally, thank you Patriot Guard Riders, for being a part of this mission.
In closing, I have seldom been moved as much as this event moved me. These great students, teachers, administrators and citizens of North Texas are true Patriots…and I am proud to have been a part of their observance.
Ride safe,
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North Texas Ride Captain |