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Lessons From Veterans Day |
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by Diane Gross
An unknown author once wrote, "For those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know." This quote gave me some insight about why so many of us cannot fully understand or appreciate the strong emotions of our vets and the meaning of days like these. It must be a slap on the face of our veterans to know that so many Americans living right here could give a rat's ass about why the names of lost vets are even inscribed on memorial walls. We have memorials all over this country and every statue represents someone. For every nameless picture on the wall, there were husbands, fathers, uncles, aunts, mothers, sisters and brothers who were put in positions that demanded personal courage -- and they gave it all! All of them did something that the vast majority of our society can't even begin to comprehend! Something inside them said, 'This is more important than my life!' It's not just the Andersonville Civil War Prison Camp to which I rode on Veterans’ Day -- it's the NATIONAL POW Memorial. This place is a memorial honoring those who were willing to give their lives serving this country -- willing to endure to the end -- whether that end was freedom or death. I went and I saw the remnants of the prison and Andersonville and the National Prisoner of War Museum. But what I FINALLY saw was the price paid for that freedom, which I have enjoyed all my life and really never thought much about.
It should be that all Americans, not just the veterans, feel that same passion and pride for this great land, because the price paid for our freedom is high! Both shoulders of the two-lane road were spotted 60 miles with onlookers -- but it wasn't until the ride home that I realized they weren't merely waving. Cars were stopped and people were standing along the road until we all had passed. They already were what I had become that day -- real Americans, proud Americans! They were not just waving -- some held their hands up with victory signs, Some blew kisses, and some even stood with hands over their hearts and tears in their eyes out of respect for the flags passing by! I was in charge of the program for this ride. Over 1,300 bikers showed up. The speaker, Brigadier General James Sehorn, was a Vietnam POW for six and a half years. He had spent bouts as long as three and a half months in solitary confinement. He spoke to hundreds of bikers as he overlooked some of the most symbolic ground in America. His first words captured every ear: "To be born free is an accident, a wonderful accident. To live free is a privilege and to die free is a responsibility." Sehorn's words rang out over a crowd salted with graying heads and flowing beards. He recalled the six-plus years in a series of prison camps after his fighter jet was shot down over North Vietnam in 1968. Sehorn spoke of the bond that exists between all warriors who have served their country over the past two centuries of American history. The fallen share an even greater place of honor in the nation's memory, he said. Several times during his address, Sehorn's voice broke with emotion. He said he could think of no more hallowed ground than Andersonville to commemorate Veterans’ Day. "Freedom is not now, nor will it ever be free," he said. "The markers in this cemetery, row upon row, are a reminder of the toll taken paying the cost of vigilance in freedom's sacrifice." An honor guard from Robins Air Force Base presented an American flag to the fallen. A bagpiper played "Amazing Grace." A seven-member honor guard gave a 21-gun salute. Echo Taps sounded as gunpowder wafted through the air. This audience took on their business of the day by riding hard dressed in suits of denim, leather, tattoos and helmets. They rode from many different places to honor the prisoner of war, the missing in action, and the veterans of all battles. They heard a former prisoner of war speak of, and saw our active duty's passion for, the flag, our country and the price of our freedom. When I ride to work now through the gates of Robins Air Force Base, I have an incredible new sense of freedom. I remember and honor the men and women who gave all--- their very lives--- so that I can live in this great country. The words "I'm proud to be an American" have never meant so much to me! Remember, each time you see someone who has served or is serving our country -- lean over and say, "Thanks!” You both will reap the benefit! "HarleyGirl Diane," as she's known in biking circles, can be reached by email via her real name, Diane Gross. Read HarleyGirl Diane's other stories -- click here. |
I
rode with hundreds of bikers on Veterans' Day to Andersonville,
and that ride had a profound effect on me. The feelings inside
me traveled from excitement to shame! I felt so ashamed of myself
-- and of any American, who like me may have let Veterans or Memorial
Day go by without a thought of what they stand for! 
I
remembered shamefully that I have whispered about nothing during
many Pledges of Allegiances and National Anthems ... and sometimes
scoot to my car during Taps when it’s played on the base where
I work at the end of the duty day. I don't understand how I could
have done those things now! I always wallowed in bed on Memorial
and Veterans' Day; I had the day off after all! I never bought
an American Flag to display or even stopped long enough to think
about the reason I was off work! Isn't it a shame?