Courtesy Photo | A Bastogne Soldier pays his respects to the World War II's fallen Soldiers at...... read more read more
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NASHVILLE - Excitement rose while engines roared as Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, participating in motorcycle safety, rode their bikes to the Tennessee World War II Memorial in Nashville, Tenn., May 21.
"Bastogne" Soldiers were trained on how to operate their motorcycles properly in order to have a safe Memorial Day weekend but also provided a unique experience honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
"Today was 1st Brigades safety day. Part of that had to do with motorcycle safety. Along with that, the brigade commander decided to combine the motorcycle safety to do a wreath laying ceremony at the WWII memorial, up here in Nashville - part of that had a motorcycle ride up to Nashville that made a fun way to combine motorcycle safety for all those that do their duty," said 2nd Lt. John Proctor, Delta Company, 3rd platoon leader.
Before the ride to Nashville, Soldiers learned what to look for when inspecting their bikes like checking their tires, lights, frame, mirrors, seats belts, etc.
Soldiers also learned about the proper group riding hand signals which they had a chance to practice driving to the memorial.
Once "Bastogne" Soldiers arrived at the memorial, they learned about some of history on the site, a site where Memorial Day is every day.
"Who knows the significant to Memorial Day? Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?" said Col. Andrew Poppas, brigade commander. "To us, there's a personal significant to this. It is an imperative holiday for us because Veterans Day honors everyone who ever served. Memorial Day is to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice and have died defending this nation, its ideals and all that we stand for today. That's why Memorial Day is so critical to us, especially since you have been eight years at war," said Poppas.
Soldiers listened intently as Poppas continued his speech.
"To our left and right, our brothers and sisters standing here, we are the warrior class of this society. Each one of you 21st century Spartans understands what it means: selfless service, commitment, dedication to duty, mission accomplishment," he said. "We've been there. We've all lost friends, some have been right there next to us. Many among us have been wounded. Memorial Day is for us to honor those that we know personally that have passed while in uniform standing next to us. It's to honor those before us who have laid the ground work for exactly what we stand for today. Show the legacy of that heroism and physical paralyses, mission accomplishment," said Poppas.
Bastogne Soldiers then came to attention for the wreath laying ceremony then strapped on their helmets and headed out.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2009 15:03 |
| Story ID: | 34387 |
| Location: | NASHVILLE, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 279 |
| Downloads: | 254 |
This work, 'Bastogne' bikers ride safely to Nashville memorial, by SGT Richard Daniels Jr., identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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