National veterans ride filled with emotion
The National Veterans Awareness Ride takes place each May but its impact on veterans in the hospitals and on participants on the ride last forever.
NVAR is an annual event organized and executed by the National Veterans Awareness Organization. This year, the ride begins in Auburn, California, just outside of Sacramento on May 16, and ends two weeks later in Washington, D.C., on May 25.
During those two weeks, several hundred motorcycle-riding NVAR participants stop in veterans homes and hospitals all along the way. They participate in local memorial services for veterans who have paid the ultimate price for America's freedom. They speak in schools about service to our country, and the importance of appreciating and respecting the sacrifices of members of the military.
These visits are critically important to the patients and residents. Many are hurting, both physically and emotionally. A handshake, a smile and an honest "thank you" means a lot. In Veterans Affairs homes, some of the residents don't get a lot of visitors, so they look forward to our visit for weeks. Because they know our arrival time and that we always park our motorcycles right in front of the facilities, the ambulatory veterans are waiting for us with American flags waving, hands clapping and eyes bright with anticipation. In wheelchairs, on crutches and with the help of trained aides, these veterans cheer the riders and anticipate the stories and friendships that await.
The memorial services are special occasions for local residents and the NVAR riders. The names on the tombstones, the walls and the plaques, were men and women from the nearby towns and counties. Not just names, but mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. All NVAR riders have lost comrades or family members in conflicts around the world. When we say thank you to the fallen warriors, it comes from our hearts.
Our visits to the schools are always enjoyable and educational. We give a little presentation about patriotism and then we split up the children and the riders into smaller groups. This allows the students and riders to talk to each other, ask questions and learn more about the importance of service to our country. I do believe seeds of respect and love of country are planted.
Most rider participants are veterans who ride motorcycles, although neither is a requirement. A person simply must believe in our mission. Our members are passionate about helping veterans in need. We pay our own way and are willing to donate almost a month to help the National Veterans Awareness Ride meet its objectives.
The ride is a very emotional experience. Watching NVAR veterans helping the veterans in hospitals and homes, I frequently ask myself, who is really helping whom? Many of our riders have experienced situations that civilians cannot imagine. When these riders are holding the hand of a vet in a hospital or home, sharing stories, both happy and sad, it's cathartic for both parties.
Many veterans in these hospitals and homes and veterans on the NVAR share a common bond. Strong feelings about close friends and buddies, forged in foxholes, rice paddies, deserts or in helicopters … many of whom died way, way too young. Some of our riders pray for strength in others. Some pray for strength within themselves.
I believe our experiences on the National Veterans Awareness Ride make us more empathetic. Each of our riders has a better appreciation for our country, for those who have served our country and for those who take care of our Veterans in VA homes and hospitals across America. And, maybe, a better understanding of what's important in life.
I used to think of America as a melting pot. After these many rides across our country and meeting thousands of people in countless towns, I believe our country is more like a quilt. Sacramento is not exactly like Evanston, Wyoming. Marshalltown, Iowa, is not exactly like Michigan City, Indiana. But we are tied together by certain threads. A love of freedom. A respect for our veterans. A caring for those who need a helping hand.
• Editor's note: A core group of participants ride the entire 3,000 miles from California to Washington, D.C., but many folks can't afford the time for the whole trip. They meet up with the group along the way and ride a portion of the route. To see the 2017 NVAR itinerary and find out how you can participate or donate to the organization, go to www.nvao.us.