Patriot Guard Riders

Updated 26 Apr 08 1521 Cst by Sandra

MEETING TIME: 9:15 – 9:30

MEETING POINT: 637 East Street, Dedham, MA

DIRECTIONS: From Route 128/95 take
exit 14 for Canton St/East Street; go around the rotary and take East
St/Dedham Street to the next rotary; take East Street/Dedham Center to
637 East Street, Dedham.

MAP LINK: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/637+east+street+dedham+ma/

Please keep in mind that there could
be some streets blocked by the police. If East Street is closed take
any right off of East Street then take a left on Mt Vernon; to Walnut
Street; take a left on Walnut to East Street and turn left; the meeting
point will be on your right.

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Although the James Joyce Ramble has come to be known throughout the country as a spirited celebration of spring, community and culture, organizers of the 25 year old event want participants to reflect on the sacrifice and human costs of a war that seems to be remote from the everyday routines and concerns of most Americans.

Gold Star Mother Mary Ellen Callahan will celebrate her only son’s life with her first 10K run, one of the over four thousand sons and daughters in uniform who have given their lives in the war.

The Ramble will occur on the one year anniversary to the day when Marine Corp Engineer Sgt. William Callahan and his fellow soldier, SSgt. Peter Woodall, were killed in Anbar Province while disarming a command detonated IED in Iraq on 27 Apr ’07.

He was 28 and left a wife and a son who was 17 days old. He was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Since her son’s death, Mary Ellen Callahan has visited the families of other Massachusetts soldiers killed in the Iraq war. She also started two local “Gold Star” groups to help grieving families of soldiers: one for siblings, and another for families. The groups meet monthly in Brockton.

“It’s really overwhelming and there’s nobody else that understands it except a person that walks in these shoes. So I find it very healing,” she said in a recent interview with the Brockton Enterprise. “You don’t get over it, absolutely not. Does it stop hurting? No. Does it go away? No. It’s the love in my heart that I have for my son. He left behind a legacy of love.” Ms. Callahan will be joined by other Veteran families who will run or walk the course, beginning at the Endicott Estate in Dedham, Sunday, April 27.

DATE: April 27

STAGING POINT: To be determined

TENTATIVE STAGING: 10:00AM

We will form a flag in order to support this event.

RIDE CAPTAIN: To be determined

Jim Boland

State Captain

Massachusetts PGR