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Here you'll find articles about our
post and the rewards of Two words "Thank
You"
This is a letter Connie Wray
wrote and handed to Bob DeMarcki after our avent at Aspinwall VA
Hospital
Connie Wray writes:
Dear ALR 820,
I can’t tell you how excited I was when I
found out a show was coming. You far surpassed all expectations and
lifted my spirits beyond belief!
The respect and attention you showed all of
us who served made me proud of the time I spent in the Army and
overseas. The men coming back from Nam got bad and negative
attention. –W.A.C.S. got "0". This is the first time in the 36 years
that I’ve felt appreciated I thank you.
Connie Wray Medic
Woman’s Army Corp.
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article here
On Sunday September 10, ………
Sunday, September 10th, 2006 marked
the culmination of months of planning as the parking lots of
American Legion Posts 117 of Butler, 820 of Monroeville, 325 of
Cowensville and 982 of Unity each filled with the low rumble of the
motorcycles of their respective Riders groups. The normally
boisterous greetings of friends and family took on a slight hush as
the awe of the occasion they gathered for loomed in front of them,
now only a short time away.
Time was marked, and with military precision, each Riders
group launched from its parking lot toward their rendezvous point,
Ligonier Post 267. Estimated time of arrival – 1200
hours.
As the number of motorcycles overflowed the Ligonier
Post’s parking lot, it became evident that the vision of Butler
Rider’s President, Scott Gilson, would come true. Marked by the
Riders unspoken and heartfelt dedication, there would be a ceremony
of dignity and reverence worthy of those passengers of United Flight
93, who on 09-11-01, became "Citizen Soldiers" to strike a blow for
our Nation’s freedom. And that ceremony would be conducted in force
by a "super team" of well over 130 representatives of the Department
of Pennsylvania American Legion Riders!
During preparation for the last leg of the Riders journey
from Ligonier to Shanksville, the sun shown through the clouds,
blessing each black leather vest bearing the American Legion
insignia. Safety instructions were issued by the road captains, and
fore, mid-column and aft radios were tested as a gentle, steady
breeze unfurled 820’s color guard flags, seeming to thank the group
for their respect.
As the procession, well over one mile long, wound through
neighborhoods, children stopped their play and parents paused their
chores. Their waves and smiles returned gladly by the Riders,
knowing that these people are honored too. The fact it was safe to
be in their yards on such an afternoon, free to go about the daily
routines of life without fear provided visible proof to the worth
and value of each Riders’ past service and core belief in the
American Legion colors they so proudly wear! Now winding through the
majestic foothills of the Laurel Mountains, the Riders found only an
ordinary wooden sign marking the turn to the memorial site. But the
Riders sight as they proceeded was anything but ordinary. For the
mile of rough gravel road, cars lined both sides and families walked
solemn, carrying tokens of thanks and tributes of flags to the
memorial. The crowds respectfully parted for the seemingly endless
column of motorcycles as the Legion Riders slowly made their way to
the site.
Negotiating the final pot hole riddled down slope to the
memorial, the 820 color guard held flags high, our Nations colors
flanked by the American Legion Riders and POW-MIA banners. The
motorcycle column proudly fell behind their standards, conversation
hushed, to behold the Memorial created by the hands of gratefully
supportive countrymen.
As motorcycles were parked and color guard flags
holstered for the final one hundred yard walk to the Memorial for
ceremonies, the final metamorphosis of Legion brotherhood occurred.
Legion Post numbers or names of differentiation melted away as
Riders that were strangers and hour ago openly wept on the shoulder
of someone they knew would not mind, a member of their family, the
American Legion Family. For that somber but brief half hour, this
large group of individuals became an indomitable, single unit of
mind, spirit and purpose.
Post 820 PR Staff provided words of reflection to that
disastrous day of 09-11-01, and led the group in the Pledge of
Allegiance. The recitation of which was so moving in its honesty and
conviction that many bystanders were emotionally compelled to join
in. Post 820 Chaplain, Michael Lang, dedicated to the heroes of
Fight 93, words from the Book of Wisdom, Chapter 3. The words
carrying tribute to those lost and hope to those left to honor
them……
" ……..But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall come to them. They seem in the view of the
foolish, to be dead: and their passing away was thought an
affliction and their going from us, utter destruction. But they are
in peace….
…they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself."
Concluding, a hand written copy of the prayers read,
accompanied by the signatures of all American Legion members
present, was handed to Legion Rider Bill Duncan who is currently
serving in the armed forces and soon to be redeployed for his second
tour of duty in Iraq. The gathering parted as Bill approached the
wall with the document pack, baptized with his tears, and others,
and fastened it proudly in place.
Just prior to departure, Legion Rider Bill Hixson, was so
moved by the sacrifices of that fateful day that he felt one more
honor to be in order. With assistance from his comrades, Hixson cut
his American Legion Rider patch from his vest and fastened it to the
wall. After some additional time was spent so each could pay their
private tribute, the flags were once again raised, the spectators
yielded and the Riders returned to their mounts.
Unwilling to let the special feeling of the day end too
soon, the group gathered at the Stoystown American Legion Post 257
to share lunch and memories. They joined with hope and pride knowing
that the pledge they had made that morning was successfully
fulfilled. The Legion Riders had honored with respect and dignity
our fellow countrymen. Ones that started out on that September
morning, five years ago, as ordinary airline passengers doing
ordinary things and consciously ended their lives for the safety of
our great Nation as "Citizen Soldiers," and deserving of nothing
less than the highest of tributes!
Our thanks go out to all participants, with special
gratitude to those who devoted their time to plan and organize this
event. Without these efforts, this much deserved tribute would not
have been possible!
Respectfully Submitted By:
The American Legion Riders
of
Gold Star Post 820
4339 Old William Penn Highway
Monroeville, Pa. 15146
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