On July 4, 2006, the day in which our awesome nation celebrated its independence and birthday, we had the honor of remembering those who have fought and fallen for such freedom.

In a group of more than 2,500 motorcycles and half again as many riders/ passengers, we escorted the "Wall that Heals" (the Viet Nam Memorial Wall) from Columbia, S.C. to Aiken, S.C.

We, a group from Lincolnton, left home about 0900, headed to Aiken (about 60 miles) to meet up with the whole group that would be riding two-by-two to Columbia. Then the smaller group would connect even more riders, as well as the semi hauling the Wall.

The temperature was about 98 and there were very few clouds in the sky, but it didn't seem to melt anyone's reasons for being there. We had to wait until 1330 before the escort began, but it was so well worth the wait. There was even a trucker who happened to be hauling a load through the area who stopped at the truck stop where we were gathered, found out what was going on and asked if he could drop his load and bring up the rear of the escort. Many veterans rode in front of the group, then there were those who asked if they could ride behind the Wall for their own reasons.

The local authorities gave us such support and kindness by blocking intersections and even closing the interstate at various points to allow safe passage. There was a sea of riders as far as the eye could see front and back. I believe that when the first group arrived in Aiken, the last riders were leaving Columbia. That may not have been the actual case, but it sure seemed that way.

I was only a very small child when this conflict/war began, continued and ended, but over the years I have been made so aware of the many men and women who served during that time (as well as many other wars and conflicts). There have been really no "fond" memories from those I have run across, mostly the silent sadness or violent residue that continues to linger, but I have seen the true heart of those who serve and have served our country. It is a heart full of pride, honor and a sense of belonging to something bigger than all of us.

I saw a patch on a vest that read, "I wasn't there, but I still care." That really hit home with me. I have been so ignorant of many things in our history because they didn't directly pertain to me or mine, but because of all the traveling I have done all over the world, so many places and interesting times, it has made me even more proud to be an American citizen. There is not a time when our national anthem is performed, the Pledge of Allegiance recited or the raising or lowering of our flag that does not bring tears of thankfulness and pride to my eyes.

I have such an overwhelming sense of thankfulness to Our Heavenly Father for allowing me to be born in this wonderful country and for the men and women who have fought and fallen for such freedom. They, like Jesus, have given their all for the "cause." They followed orders from above knowing what the outcome would or could be. "All Gave Some, Some Gave All."

I have had the honor of going to the Wall in D.C. with a gentleman who served. There was such a silent reverence emanating from the hundreds of people there who searched for the names of friends or loved ones. Really, the only sound you heard besides the birds chirping above, were the sniffles and occasional sobs from those present. I don't know how anyone could be there, whether they agreed with our involvement or not, and not come away changed in their hearts.

While riding my motorcycle alone that July 4, even in this huge group, there was time to reflect, give thanks, mourn and be "still." All of the emotions had a work out and when the ride was over, and the Wall that Heals was delivered, there was no sense of "is that all there is?" It was a true sense of pride and honor that all who participated seemed to share. So many people were there for their own reasons. Mine was just to show respect and say, "Thank you! I am sorry for the way that you were treated when you came home," and good bye to those who didn't come home. It was also my way of honoring those men and women who still serve today. Whether I agree or not with the things our government gets us in to, I still stand with and appreciate those who go and do their jobs because it's the right thing to do.

May God bless America and those who have fought, are fighting and will continue to fight for what is right and just and good.

"I was not there, but I still care."