Honoring the fallen

One impression I've gotten at the rally, confirmed by the observations of others, is that bikers as a group are getting older. Evidence is the gray hair, and the size and number of RVs, toy haulers, etc. These are Baby Boomers, by and large. 

And many of them are veterans, wearing patches or other insignia to proclaim the fact. Their views on the wars of today are varied, but they seem to universally honor the fallen. 

The Blue Star Moms of this area put together a very moving display last night, a paper bag with the name, rank and branch of service for each of the more than 4,100 military killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, with sand and a glowstick placed inside each bag in a pattern on the hillside beyond the rally grounds.

Sandy and I were among the dozens of volunteers who helped place the glowsticks after the bags were in place ... they were of all ages and ethnic groups, working together on the hillside in the late afternoon sun to honor those who gave the utmost. 

In the evening, just before the main band began to play, the announcer called attention to the display and many of the attendees trooped over for a brief ceremony. The lady in white sang the national anthem, as she has each afternoon at a posting of the colors ceremony on the bandstand; she has a beautiful voice that is rich through the demanding range of the "The Star Spangled Banner." tv