Well those who know me will laugh because I am always looking to improve on things. Most would say “if it works why change it?”. Now I am far from a web wizard but I do enjoy learning and tweaking blogs / web sites, especially if its about riding and for myself or friends.
The original web site was built by myself using Expressions Web; now to be honest I love working on the site but I don’t enjoy it when it takes more time to update than it does for me to complete a full day of riding. I decided I would merge my personal blog into the site but never really found a blog theme that fit.
The site will be a little more organized and I added another category called “Brainwork”. Brainwork will be the area we can post thoughts on anything and give a little more insight on what makes me and any future TWNE blogger’s tick.
I think I have a keeper for now anway and I hope you enjoy the new site….
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago. Add a comment
Rick (another TWNE rider) and myself participated in the PGR mission for the Garden of Heroes ceremony. The garden is located on the grounds of the Rhode Island State House where there is also a monument listing the names of the fallen service members who were killed participating in the “Global War on Terror”.
This is the third year the Rhode Island Patriot Guard Riders have participated in this ceremony. Unfortunately the word on the street was a group known for protesting the funerals services of United States service members would also be in attendance. This would have no effect on the Patriot Guards presence due to the fact they are there whether or not protestors demonstrate and the Patriot Guards strict non-confrontational policy, the Patriot Guard is not an ant-protest group.
When we arrived at the staging area bikes were already lined up and its riders included both veterans and patriotic citizens; you will restore your faith in your fellow American when you attend a PGR mission to say the least. The ceremony kicked off with an honor ride in which riders rode by the steps of the state house while all the Gold Star families looked on, some waved or cheered but you could see in all their faces the sense of pride knowing this group was there to honor their loved one and provide patriotic support in remembering all our heroes.
Yes the WBC (Westboro Baptist Church) did show but they were not even a blip on the radar screen. These incredible men and women of the PGR turned their backs to them, held their American flags high and did what they had come to do which is Stand for those who Stood for us. Of course there were several people from the general public holding signs against the WBC but it was a peaceful group who gathered.
Just prior to the actual ceremony the members of the Patriot Guard formed a corridor of flags in which the families walked through to the Garden. Once in the Garden this corridor silently changed its position to completely circle the Garden and all those in attendance. The speaking program consisted of both military and local political leaders, most all spoke along the lines of thanks, honor, pride and remembrance. The hardest part for all was the reading of the names with the addition of two new service members; as the 21 gun salute sounded I looked off in the distance to see the rifle detail and a contingent of PGR members and flags standing silently by.
A day to remember – A day to honor – A day to never forget
SGT. GREGORY BELANGER- ARMY RESERVE
SSG JOSEPH CAMARA- ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
SGT CHARLES T. CALDWELL- ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
SPC MICHAEL ANDRADE- ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
CW5 SHARON T. SWARTWORTH- US ARMY
CPT MATTHEW J. AUGUST- US ARMY
SFC CURTIS MANCINI- ARMY RESERVE
MSG RICHARD L. FERGUSON- US ARMY
L/CPL MATTHEW K. SERIO- US MARINE CORPS
CPT CHRISTOPHER S. CASH- US ARMY
L/CPL JOHN J. VAN GYZEN IV- US MARINE CORPS
SSG CHRISTOPHER S. POTTS- ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
L/CPL HOLLY A. CHARETTE- US MARINE CORPS
2LT MATTHEW S. COUTU- US ARMY
SGT DENNIS J. FLANAGAN- US ARMY
SGT BRIAN R. ST. GERMAIN- US MARINE CORPS
SSG DALE JAMES KELLY JR.- ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
SGT MOISES JAZMIN- US ARMY
SGT MICHAEL J. WEIDEMANN- US ARMY
PS3 RONALD A. GILL JR. – US COAST GUARD
LT. JG FRANIS L. TONER IV- US
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago. 1 comment
