We met at Shari’s on Sunday morning so some of the STAR riders could grab a bite to eat before we headed for the Foss High School parking lot in Tacoma. I was surprised at the number of bikes already sitting there when I pulled into the restaurant, and I had passed two large groups sitting in other parking areas along the way. It promised to be a well attended event.
As we pulled out of Shari’s headed east on Highway 16, we had picked up at least one extra motorcycle in our group. It was a quick trip to Foss High School (would have been even quicker if we had paid attention to the guy holding the sign that told us to turn in on the road he was standing next to…we didn’t), and we rode into a parking lot that resembled a biker ant-hill. I am pretty sure I have never before stood in the middle of so many bikes and leather-clad bikers in my life, and the bikes just continued to pour in behind us.
We turned in our ride waivers, and were rewarded with a nice pin and the opportunity to pick up a beautiful t-shirt commemorating the Dignity Wall. Hundreds of bikers were wandering around the truck that contained the wall, looking at the art work and the dangerous looking Chihuahua standing over the steering wheel. Handshakes and hugs were being exchanged by new acquaintances and old friends, and the air was charged with a feeling that this was a moment to be remembered. Thanks to the camera packers, a good portion of it will also be shared.
After we all gathered to listen to the ride organizer talk about how the ride would be conducted, everyone found a place to fall in behind the truck as it pulled out of the parking lot, and the ride to escort the Dignity Wall was underway.
Our group managed to stay together in the midst of the massive grouping of escort bikes, and we found ourselves far enough behind the truck that we frequently lost sight of it, but still somewhere in the middle of the group. At one point along Highway 16, there were only motorcycles as far as I could see in front and behind us…it was awesome.
When we arrived at Miller-Woodlawn Cemetery, everything slowed to a crawl as each rider found a parking spot. It was slow, but actually well organized and smooth. I doubt that the permanent residents of that well manicured facility were even aware of our presence.
The final event for the participating riders was a complimentary Salmon Bake feed at the Suquamish Tribal Center. This was also well attended, and the food was excellent. Our thanks go out to the tribe for their honor and appreciation of all Veterans.
The next step in this ongoing event is to visit the Dignity Wall next week end after it is open to the public. If you are so inclined, and available, your volunteer help to get it set up and ready for visitors would probably be greatly appreciated. Contact Miller-Woodlawn if you are interested.
As we pulled out of Shari’s headed east on Highway 16, we had picked up at least one extra motorcycle in our group. It was a quick trip to Foss High School (would have been even quicker if we had paid attention to the guy holding the sign that told us to turn in on the road he was standing next to…we didn’t), and we rode into a parking lot that resembled a biker ant-hill. I am pretty sure I have never before stood in the middle of so many bikes and leather-clad bikers in my life, and the bikes just continued to pour in behind us.
We turned in our ride waivers, and were rewarded with a nice pin and the opportunity to pick up a beautiful t-shirt commemorating the Dignity Wall. Hundreds of bikers were wandering around the truck that contained the wall, looking at the art work and the dangerous looking Chihuahua standing over the steering wheel. Handshakes and hugs were being exchanged by new acquaintances and old friends, and the air was charged with a feeling that this was a moment to be remembered. Thanks to the camera packers, a good portion of it will also be shared.
After we all gathered to listen to the ride organizer talk about how the ride would be conducted, everyone found a place to fall in behind the truck as it pulled out of the parking lot, and the ride to escort the Dignity Wall was underway.
Our group managed to stay together in the midst of the massive grouping of escort bikes, and we found ourselves far enough behind the truck that we frequently lost sight of it, but still somewhere in the middle of the group. At one point along Highway 16, there were only motorcycles as far as I could see in front and behind us…it was awesome.
When we arrived at Miller-Woodlawn Cemetery, everything slowed to a crawl as each rider found a parking spot. It was slow, but actually well organized and smooth. I doubt that the permanent residents of that well manicured facility were even aware of our presence.
The final event for the participating riders was a complimentary Salmon Bake feed at the Suquamish Tribal Center. This was also well attended, and the food was excellent. Our thanks go out to the tribe for their honor and appreciation of all Veterans.
The next step in this ongoing event is to visit the Dignity Wall next week end after it is open to the public. If you are so inclined, and available, your volunteer help to get it set up and ready for visitors would probably be greatly appreciated. Contact Miller-Woodlawn if you are interested.
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