This past Sunday I was honored to be invited along for a MC run down to Seward for a farewell tribute to a former Naval sailor who recently passed away. The ride started at the Carr’s on Huffman Road, where I joined the Vietnam Veteran’s Motorcycle Club for the pre-ride briefing. The “probies” (probational members) for the club briefed my friend and I that we would ride at the back of the pack as we were not members just in front of the sweeps. While waiting for some of the officers to show up I took some time to get my son a donut and me some coffee to start the day off right. I knew several of the club members from last season and a few others from the local HOG chapter so there were some familiar faces.
Once the group was all assembled, we numbered about 30 or so bikes ready to head down the highway to Seward. All of the bikes present for the ride south were Harley-Davidsons, ranging between the sportsters all the way through the Dynas and Softtails and into the big touring bikes.
As we took to the highway, we formed up in parade columns which meant riding side by side, for just about a quarter mile we stretched out over the roadway. The winds were ferocious as we made our way south of Rabbit Creek road out onto the Potter marsh. By the time we cleared the marsh the rain began. Slowly at first, like being “misted” but slowly, ever so slowly becoming a downpour of epic proportions. Off and on it rained all the way to Seward and the winds beat me to death as the rushed in on our columns from every side (sometimes all at the same time).
We arrived in Seward to a very overcast (but not raining) sky and found the location along the beach where the ceremony would be held. The PA system was set up and the officers of the Vets group assembled for the ceremony. The Sergent of Arms read the script and the officers executed the small drill to place the memorial items in position:
1) The rifle (which replaces the sword) as the weapon.
2) The helmet (which represents armor)
3) The boots and dogtags (which represent the individual)
4) The rose, which blooms with hope…
At the conclusion of the officer’s drill, the group of wet, ragged bikers in the middle of a small town, USA came to attention and saluted the newly created memorial for their fallen comrade. A bagpipes officer was on hand to play “Amazing Graze” for a single verse, then several individuals including the fallen soldier’s daughter sang the next two verses. At the conclusion of the singing, the group returned to a ready position and the officers marched off the make-shift ceremonial pedestal.
Following the small ceremony, the family, and chosen members of the Vet’s club made ready as they boarded a larger charter boat, hired to take them out to sea. This exercise was to place the fallen soldier’s ashes in the sea, welcoming him home forever. Very touching moments throughout as some of the toughened bikers became teary eyed as they watched the procession.
After the group returned from the boat trip, we all gathered again and rode out to the deceased soldier’s families residence where there was a big BBQ and live music (provided by Hobo Jim). One of the probational members was accosted and his vest containing his colors pulled from his body. As the group watched, he was presented with his full “patched” colors vest. For this, it means that his days as a probie are done. Congrats Paul.
As the afternoon passed us by, several of us decided to head back into Anchorage. We saddled up and made our way back up the long highway toward the “big city”. The weather decided to cooperate on the return trip by keeping us guessing with the wind but without any rain. With a stop just past the Hope junction and one in Girdwood so that Bulldog could buy the grand-kids some ice cream, it was an awesome ride back.
There are many times I am proud to own an American motorcycle and honored to ride with the people I do. Whether it be the local 81 of Arizona and/or Washington, the Vet’s of Alaska, or the local Harley Owner’s Group (HOG), I seem to meet the greatest people in America, and have come to know what this country is all about. It’s not about the success, or the money, or the land, or even the lovers, it’s about all of it. Every piece of everything is here in America, the land of the Free, and the home of the Brave!
Peace
Ak Outlaw