Wisconsin Riders from Chapter 1 and Chapter 13 made the cold and wet ride to Washington D.C. over 2 days to support the AMVETS national Rolling to Remember Gold Star escort. Members arrived in Washington Friday to rain and wind as the proceeded to the National Cathedral for the Blessing of the Bikes. Despite the rain one Marine mom wanted to ride back to the Gold star house and was escorted by Larry Jr. this made Washington D.C. Local news as they left the Cathedral. After they arrived at the Gold Star house the mothers blessed the riders with a wonderful meal and then it was off to the candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Wall. Larry Jr and Frank escorted moms on their bikes once again even though it was cold and wet.

Saturday was a day of testimonials and lunch at Arlington National Cemetery the weather was a bit better than the day before. National AMVET Commander Paul Shipley, National Riders President Natalie Cummings and National Sons Commander Patrick Holcombe all provided speeches as some of the Wives and Mothers of the Gold Star families provided their stories as well. It was a day of remembering why we remember Memorial Day and the weekend as those family whose sons and husbands gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country they Loved. As the even wrapped up the ladies went on their way and the group from Wisconsin went down to Thunder Alley and did a little shopping and visited some of the memorials.

Sunday the weather was perfect as we met at the hotel to escort the mothers and wives to the Pentagon for the demonstration ride. The skies opened up the sun came out and the event was met with smiles, laughter and memories. The Marines in the group had their picture taken with the Saluting Marine and the guys that had Marine Moms on their bikes set up that they would stop and Tim would come give their moms a hug. The surprise was awesome and most the moms cried not because of sadness but because they were blessed and honored for the moment. The day ended with us taking the moms back to the Gold Star house and relaxing at an Irish pub. The trip was wonderful and we will be back again to escort moms and wives who truly deserve the experience.