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June 14, 2006

Pardon the Interruption
Support Our Troops and the Patriot Guard
By Dennis Michelsen

This little place called "Stock Car Pit Pass" is a nice little escape from the reality of normal life. You come here to be entertained, amused, or enlightened about something in the world of stock car racing and most days I think we meet that goal. But today for just a scant 569 words I ask your patience and understanding as I talk about a more serious subject. Pardon the interruption NASCAR fans but your help is needed back in the real world!

Every day brave Americans are in harms way while we trade the latest gossip and jokes around the water cooler. Some say they chose to go and I chose to do something else with my life and that's how it goes. But NASCAR fans are the most patriotic people in the country and I know you don't feel that way! If we are given a way to help as NASCAR fans we pitch in to help. Today I am going to let you think about a group that is doing an amazing thing and invite you to help them out. It won't cost you anything but your time.

Over 150,000 troops are still in harms way as we fight this war against terror. This article is not about politics but about compassion. It is not about whether the war is right or wrong but about how wrong some people are being treated. It is about family and in the end aren't we all one big family in this country? Quite often when something impacts your family in a round-a-bout way it might affect mine someday too. Whether we like it or not we are all interconnected as NASCAR fans and as Americans.

Imagine that you just lost a loved one. Now imagine that some weird group is protesting at their funeral and making your act of saying goodbye a living hell. Such is the case for the families of many servicemen and women who have given their lives to defend our freedom. These brave Americans did their duty and died. Now some complete imbeciles are making their funerals a living hell for their families. Isn't it bad enough that this Mother just lost a son? That this wife just lost her soul mate and husband? Now there is something you can do to help!

The "Patriot Guard" is a bunch of wonderful Americans that are making a difference. By creating a buffer zone between the families that lost a loved one and protestors they are making the goodbyes a little easier. Ironically many of these riders with the "Patriot Guard" served in Viet Nam and came home to less than a heroes welcome. Instead of being bitter they are making sure the final farewell to these heroes is done with class and dignity. So if you are a motorcycle rider and can free up some time in your schedule I ask you to volunteer for a ride. Even if you aren't a biker you can join a "ride" too. Please take a moment out from your busy day and check out the link to the "Patriot Guard" below. If nothing else stop by and thank them for their duty and honor at this time of need. Pardon the interruption, I return you now to your regularly scheduled NASCAR nonsense already in progress.

http://www.patriotguard.org/

Why Do We Ride?

Why do we do this, you ask?
Why bother to stand out in wind and rain for someone unknown?
Why do we ride through torrents chilled to the bone?
The answer is simple: "Because, Never Again!"

Never again will they return home in shame,
Never again will wearing their uniform cause them pain.
Never again will we forget why they serve.
No, Never Again.

But still I hear you say "Why does it matter to you?"
"They aren't your friends, your brothers, your sisters, your father, your mother."
War is a sad time for many; it is sad but true.
So, why do you gather in the gap between their families and their foes?
The answer is simple: "Because, Never Again!"

Never again will grieving parents, families and friends alone bear mourning's toil.
Never again will hard-won freedom of speech be used to debase and destroy.
Never again will their sacrifice be dishonored upon their home soil.
No, Never Again.

Why do we gather, why do we ride?
Why travel this country far and wide?
We remember our grandfathers, fathers, brothers and others yet to come.
We stand proud through tears reflecting their courage and pride.
Because, Never Again.

That's why we ride.

Written in memory of:
Henry C. Barrows ~ Army, WWI (Great-Uncle)
Cecil A. Bray ~ Army paratrooper, WWII (Father)

In honor of:
Garrett C. Bray ~ Navy, Viet Nam (Brother)
Donald A. Dinsmore ~ Marines & Army (Husband) and
All Patriot Guard Members

Laurel B. Dinsmore May 8, 2006