7/10/11 UPDATE …
I was mistaken as to the name of the group who were there to welcome the vet home from Afghanistan. They are the Warriors Watch Riders. Please see the very nice comment below for more information.
Day 190
Seriously. Can you believe we’re 190 days in to this year? Unbelievable.
Okay, normally this space is reserved for my daily ramblings, updates on how I’m doing or information about medical procedures. Tonight I’m going to tell you about an unexpected and amazing act of patriotism to which we were witness this afternoon. Patriotism gets a bad rap. The news often reports on yahoos and These Colors Don’t Run has become a jingoistic battle cry but the truth is, the honest to God patriotic folks are the everyday people who live quiet lives and who believe in a better tomorrow for all. Our freedom is protected daily by ordinary folks who volunteer to go fight in wars far away from home for very little money and even less glory.
All that said to tell you this story. We were witness to the most amazing thing this afternoon, in of all places Don Pablo’s parking lot. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. It’s moments like these and people like these that restore my faith in humanity.
This afternoon we stopped at Don Pablo’s for a quick meal. I’m so glad I asked for a table by the window because we’d have never noticed the dozens of motorcycles that rode up carrying American flags. We couldn’t imagine what was going on. I thought I was seeing things for a minute. Was this some sort of protest? There are a lot of things to protest about Don Pablo’s including the food, but I digress. I was pretty sure the bikers weren’t there to protest less-than-stellar Mexican food.
Our car was blocked in by the bikes but we decided to head out to see what the hubbub was about. On our way out I stopped a manager who told me they were Freedom Riders there to welcome home a vet who’d just arrived home from Afghanistan yesterday. We made our way out and I thanked the first rider. I told him this is a nice thing you’re doing, my dad’s a vet. Thank you. He said welcome him home for us. I didn’t quite understand but Chuck asked if he was still here and sure enough he was. Another rider informed us that he was getting his car.
We kept walking to our car and another rider asked if we were okay with waiting a few minutes. Of course we were. I wish dad had been with us he’d have loved this. We stood by as the vet’s car passed us and the bikes all fell in line before and after his and another vehicle. The bikes all honked their horns and we and another couple who stood there with us clapped.
I was choked up and teary-eyed standing there as I am now. Much as we like to think we’re not like our parents, we are. I’m so fortunate to have been raised by parents who lived through WWII. Dad’s a Korean War veteran (he served in Germany during the Korean War) and is the most patriotic person you’ll ever meet. I guess it rubbed off on me because corny as it sounds I still think an American flag waving in the wind against a bright blue sky is a beautiful sight and this amazing act of patriotism moved me beyond words. I think the restaurant manager missed an opportunity. Were it me I’d have gone from table to table explaining to diners what was going on and encouraged them to go outside and add to the cheering section for the recently returned vet, but that’s just me.
When I got home I looked up Freedom Riders online but I think the manager was mistaken I think these amazing folks are actually Patriot Guard Riders. 7/10/11 Update — A nice man from the Warriors Watch Riders contacted me in the comments below. The Welcome Home folks I met yesterday are actually the Warriors Watch Riders. See the comment below for more information.
God Bless America
Wow, I got choked up just reading this! I love this kinda stuff too, it gives a wonderful feeling doesn’t it? btw, I read your about me page, which I do believe is the best About Me I’ve read. Lovely lady, lovely blog!
Wow! Thank you Sheila. Your kind words and praise are very much appreciated.
That would get me all choked up too. Very touching.
Thanks Mami!
Actually,
This “Welcome Home Escort” that you witnessed was by the Warriors Watch Riders. Although we are a mixed group of people and riders, The Warriors Watch Riders act as a Melting pot or focal point for the support of our Military and First responders and include all Like Minded groups and clubs who wish to ride in Support of these Heroes. It simply takes a visit to our website to submit a “REQUEST” for our services. It is an Honor to do this for all these returning Heroes. And, to let you in on a little secret… You dont Need a Motorcycle to be part of these Welcome Homes. There are many other support groups that we work hand in hand with to Make these Welcome Homes happen. Check them out to. : http://www.yellowribbonclub.org or http://www.aheros-welcome.org … and then there are our Beloved Gold-Star Families whom we keep close to our hearts and in our Prayers Daily. http://www.goldstarmoms.com .
Pray for our Troops and Keep their loved ones in your thoughts and Prayers.
Peace and God Bless
Rich “RedBeard” Brewer
NJ Sate Coordinator
Warriors Watch Riders
Rich, Thanks for stopping by to offer the correct information. I’ve fixed the post to credit the correct group of folks. I’m still marveling at yesterday. Dad’s a veteran and an AMVET and I never even knew such groups existed. You do an amazing thing. It was a nice reminder that kind and generous people still populate the earth.
Hi Carol Anne,
Just wanted to say thank you for your kind words on what we did in Deptford last night. While the Patriot Guard Riders have members who are filled with Patriotism, the Welcome Home mission you witnessed was done by the Warriors’ Watch Riders. Although, several people ride with both groups, because after all, its not about the patch you wear, it’s about paying Honor and giving Respect to America’s Real Heroes. And one doesn’t have to ride to join either group.
John, thank you so much for clearing up my mistake. I fixed the post to credit the correct group. It really was an amazing sight to see on Saturday afternoon.
Wow, this gave me goosebumps, how heartening. And I am so glad that people have commented and given more information. How wonderful.
Thanks SC! It really was a wonderful experience.
Carol Anne:
I’m glad you could be a part of welcoming home this young man. We also do “mug-n-hugs” for folks like your Dad – ride up, make a lot of noise, and make a fuss over our honoree. As Redbeard said, a motorcycle is not needed; I’m usually in my car (or cage, as the other-than-bikes are called) most of the time. I hope you will check out our site and join this great group of folks on more welcome homes; you would be welcome at any missions you could attend. There are no requirements except what you already have – appreciation and respect for service!
By John posting your note to him on our forum and knowing our ‘family’, you now have a whole lot of more folks around the world who have you in their prayers and thoughts. All the best, Lady!
Jane, thanks so much for your kind words. Any and all prayers are very much appreciated and needed. The mugs-n-hugs sounds right up dad’s alley. Maybe I’ll surprise in in 2 years for his 80th birthday. :-)
What a great story! I love that the guy found you on your blog and posted all that info!!
Thanks Sarah. I think he found me because I sent an e-mail telling the group thanks for doing such a nice thing. :-)
Carole Anne,
Popped back in to browse your “SoapBox” a little more…. Just wanted to say … YOU are in the Prayers of many and now a few more. I will make sure to send this Link and post a little bit of it on the “FORUM” we have in the NJ area … hoping for others to visit here and send you those Ever so special ” hugs” and specially to include you in their Prayers.
You be well Carol Anne and let us know when we can send our group over to meet your dad and shake the hand of this American Hero…. And also, to get one of those Group MUG and HUG out for you while we are there…. ( Smiles )
Peace and God Bless to you.
Rich “RedBeard”
NJ Warriors Watch Riders
Thanks Redbeard! All prayers are greatly appreciated :)
i joined the Warriors’ Watch Riders on April 20th of this year that happened to be my fathers 82 birthday he also is a Korean War Vet he and my mom had met a couple of WWR members in a local hardware store he had one of his Korean War hats on and they came up to him and thanked him for his service he talked about it for days afterwards they ran into the same couple again and they remembered him and they chatted and went on their way…well for his birthday we arranged a mug-n-hug and the look on his face was AWSOME he was like a little kid…..i joined that day and have been on about 16 or so Missions and it is great and i dont have a motorcycle i drive my car,,,,i think it is something everyone should experience at least once in their life and i think ur dad would be over the moon hope to see ya soon,,,,take care Mopargyrl(Kelli) PA Warriors’ Watch Riders
Kelli, I bet your dad was thrilled with the mug-n-hug.
Hi Carol Anne,
I am also a member of WWR and saw your link posted, just wanted to let you know that you and yours have been added to our prayers and thoughts. Thank your father for his service from all of us. :)
Thank you Sharon any and all prayers are greatly appreciated. I’m going to print a copy of this blog post to give to dad when I see him this weekend. He hasn’t been feeling well (nothing serious) and I think he’ll get a kick out of all this :-)
just wanted to stop back and say i have wondered aroud your blog site and read the about me and it was very well put to gether with a bit of humor you have been added to my prayer list and are in my thoughts as well….
Welcome back Kelli! Thank you. Any and all prayers are greatly appreciated.
Carol Anne, It was nice of you to blog about the rush of patriotism you felt when you witnessed the welcome home at Don Pueblos. Welcoming home our Hero’s is very addictive and I feel the way you felt each and every time the WWR and YRC welcome home another hero. Just about every day a hero returns from war in the Philadelphia area. They all deserve our thanks.
You are dealing with some struggles of your own and I want to tell you to hang in there. I perused your SOAPBOX web site. You seem to be able to make the best of any situation, and you are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing, stay the course.
Thank you for your kind words Jinksey.
Hi Carol Anne.
What a happy accident it was that you stumbled onto us at Don Pablo’s.
And yes, each and every time we welcome home a Hero we get that rush of goosebumps and happy tears.
We would be honored if you were able to attend a homecoming with us.
I admire your strength and courage.
I hope to meet you someday to thank you in person for sharing your journey with us and the world.
Prayers and hugs for you.
Fuzzy
WWR
Thank you for your kind words Fuzzy. All prayers are greatly appreciated.
Hi Carol Anne,
There is no time like the present, Why wait the two years for his birthday? You are in the thoughts of so many now. Godspeed
Underbird, SEPA WWR
Thank you Dave :-) All prayers are greatly appreciated.
Hi Carol Anne, You are in our thoughts and prayers, We would love to mug and hug your dad, and to meet his amazing daughter. And I see you already have a Do Rag so you would fit right in with this Family. Hope to see you soon.
Thank you Pete. I appreciate any and all prayers.
Hi Carol Anne, please feel free to come and join us on a Mission at any time. John (Window) and I will be keeping you in our prayers.
Lil (aka MsWindow), NJ WWR
Thank you Lillian. All prayers are greatly appreciated.
Carol Anne. I am so glad that you were able to witness us bringing LCpl Koop home. Every time I participate in one of the welcome homes I realize how much these men and women’s families appreciate it after all of the heartache of their child being in danger to see them welcomed home in a special way. I ride with both the Warriors Watch and Patriot Guard and every time I bring a new rider with me the look on their face when they see all of it is amazing.
I read through your posts and your courage is inspiring. You are definately in my families prayers. And we would love to do a mug & hug for your dad.
Thank you Mike. All prayers are greatly appreciated.
So cool! My dad participates in rides like this and I love watching them go by.
Jessica, thanks for stopping by. You must be so proud of your dad.
LOVE this. I absolutely think we should honor each and every person who has served.
So true Kimberly, so true. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for sharing this – it has me feeling all weepy inside and I’m not even there! Dropping by from #commenthour :)
Thanks BB! Please stop by again. The door is always open. :-)
Good post!!! That’s a great moment of patriotism!
Thanks Marie!
I have stopped by on your blog before, and stopping by again, congrats on the mention during #commenthour. Keep up the fight, and prayers to you!
Yay! A frequent (a girl can dream) visitor! Please come back again Kelly. I love visitors.
Stopping by from #commenthour, and I just save to say that this post made me cry! Its moments like this that really make me proud to be an American! Thanks for sharing!!!! :-)
-Vicki http://myvickiliciouslife.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping by Vicki.
Beautiful story ! thanks for sharing !! Prayers for your dad !
Thanks Sunithi!
What a great story… I am so glad I found you via #commenthour tonight!
Thank you for stopping by Julie. Please come back again.
wow, what an amazing moment to witness. A big thank you, not only to the service men who fight for our country but the generous people who honor them when they come home.
Thanks Jackie. It really was quite the sight to behold.
Love this. I’m also the child of a soldier and the grandchild of WWII and Korean War vets and my own man is currently serving in the US Army – I’m always heartened to see that so many never forget the sacrifices of our military!
Sarah thank you for stopping by to comment. I’m also from a long line of military men. My great uncle served under Gen. Patton in WWII. Prayers for your very brave hubs.
Awesome!!! You were correct. Right place at the right time :-) Stopping by from #commenthour.
Thank you for stopping by Joy. Please come back again.
what an amazing post! It made me teary. #commenthour
Thank you Heather! I appreciate your stopping by. :-)
Carol Anne,
As someone who was also raised by someone who bravely served his country, he instilled in my sister and I that the benefits we have as American’s comes from the soldiers and sailors who sign over their lives to defend the American way, and we should be forever indebted and respectful to them. I am 42 years old, I have always thanked and shook the hand of anyone who has served his/her country and always will. I always felt this was the only way for me to express my gratitude. Then we were bitten by the biker bug, my husband and I! We were invited to bring home a hero earlier in the year, of which we did. I found myself quite like you described, filled with emotion. I have been on about 5 or 6 missions (including the one you witnessed and so eloquently penned on your blog) and have the same reaction every time! I now stalk the WWR website for missions and will go on every one of the missions I possibly can! I am always in awe that the hero’s and their families all thank us profusely, and all we do is show up and give our hero’s a small recognition and show appreciation – when in actuality there is no way to thank them adequately. I hope to see you at one of the missions, and will look forward to shaking your dad’s hand and thank him personally for my freedom.
Chris, thank you for your very kind words.
P.S. You fight, as you are a warrior as well! You are strong and you have a whole lot of good karma coming your way!
Thank you Chris. This made me all teary-eyed. (((hugs)))
I guess patriotism gets a bad rap because of who has taken over the cause. But, no matter what, I still believe in it, teach my daughter about it and practice it. The groups like the Warriors Watch Riders are to be commended for what they do. I’m the daughter and husband of a Vet and cry when I see our flag flying! This is so special. Thanks for sharing your view.
Connie, thank you so much for your kind words. They are very much appreciated.
I am totally choked up too. Love this story. #commenthour was fun last week, wasn’t it?
Thanks Missy! #commenthour was indeed fun!
Carole Anne…..
Just stopped in to see how my Favorite Blogger / Warrior is doing.
You are surrounded by many who wish you well and support you. IT IS AWESOME to see and Read.
Peace and God Bless to you Carol Anne
Rich “RedBeard” Brewer
NJ Warriors Watch Riders
Rich, thank you so much. I’m flattered. I love visitors. Thanks for reading! :-)