Just watch a clip of the bikers riding into D.C., a line as far as you can see, many flying the American flag. D.C. turned down their permit for the ride but the organizers declared the ride would proceed since public roads can't be put off limits to them as long as they obey the laws. Got to salute these guys, many making the ride from as far away as California.
Jim
On 9/11/2001 I was on active duty stationed on a small Marine base called Henderson Hall. It's about 1000 yards up the road from the Pentagon in Arlington VA. All the officers (me included) were in a brief in the base theater when the plane flew over and crashed into the Pentagon. That was a horrific day for all of us, so I don't really "do" all this 9/11 memorial stuff, I just rather not remember. Hope that doesn't rub anyone the wrong way.
I will say that what these bikers did was AWESOME, maybe they should make this an annual event. How about we have a million mustang march (MMM) up to DC next 9/11??
My medicine... one bourbon, one scotch, one beer...
Jim, any person who possesses a modicum of sentience will not take offense to your words. I am myself a U.S.Navy veteran and a very recently retired fire officer/paramedic who was also on duty that day. I was well removed from the center of those tragic events and thankfully was spared the extraordinary trauma of having to actively participate in the response, but by no means did I escape being deeply affected by them, as were most all Americans. Certainly those of us who worked in the public safety and national defense professions were even more acutely aware of the significance of what had happened than most. This is not meant to minimalize the trauma to, and suffering of, those outside our professions, it's just that we were also dealing with the very real possibility of having to respond to similar incidents in our own communities and that can certainly heighten the anxiety level just a notch or two above those not charged with direct participation in emergency mitigation.
Like you, I am not inclined to participate in these organized large scale memorial events. It's just not my style. I would like to be able to forget the horror of it all but I think you and I both know that that is improbable. Especially if you were closely involved in the events of the day. So while others, and I tip my hat to them all, choose their own method of remembrance and paying tribute to those who innocently lost their lives and those who willingly risked their lives in efforts to help others, I will quietly and respectfully include all who were affected in my prayers.
On a more cheerful note, I'd love to see a million mustangs parked on the National Mall in Washington !
Respectfully, Patrick
