Chattanooga, TN to Wytheville, VA
Today was one of the most beautiful days we have seen: sunny skies; no wind; no rain (or hail) and temperatures in the low 80’s. Thanks to God for great weather. The run was fairly uneventful for the breakdown / wreck team with the exception of loading several bikes to haul to a dealer to be fixed. This is work but it is okay – no bodies were taken to a hospital.
Our day started at the cemetery of 155 Unknown Confederate Soldiers. It has always been a moving thing but this time it hurt us to see a cemetery in such disrepair. The grass had not been mowed, the graves are caving in (we could not even go in due to the safety factor) and the flag looked as if it had been flying for months with no attention. All I could think was that this site was Unknown and now Unattended – and yet these were men who gave up their tomorrow for our country. It just drives the point home; we must do more to honor these men and women. I began to think about what must go through veterans’ minds when they see a memorial in disrepair. What about those who died beside me? Will I be remembered? Does anyone care? I noticed some of the men were taking notes to address this later.
Yesterday we reported that another young man re-dedicated his life on the run. Last night they had a baptizing service. This one was extra-special – it was a Dad doing his son’s baptism and it was Dad’s first baptism after receiving his Minister’s License.
The picture can’t capture it but the run this year is at least twice as big as it was last year. Look at the crowd – it is almost overwhelming to see this many people moving together like a unit. We look good – and long – going down the interstate.
Pictured below is Richard and Carol Cole. Richard was the first Sr. Chaplain that Mission:M25 served under. He has not been able to ride with us for the past two years. It was exciting for us to once again ride down the highway together. We sometimes forget the ones who cover us and care for us after we get a few miles down the road. By the way, his road name – Pointman – was earned. He walked point in Viet Nam for eleven months. He is one of our true heroes who will never get any recognition for “doing his job” in Nam.
Tonight at dinner our Hydration Team received a standing ovation! It was gratifying to see our team honored for doing a service that in some circles is taken for granted – but not on Run For The Wall.
We also want to say thanks to the churches who came out to support us today.
Covenant Ministries, in Lenoir City, VA had their church on an overpass as we passed with a banner that said Churches In America Thank You For Serving. Thank you Pastor David Thompson.
Pastor Gary Cope of Word of Life, in Wytheville, VA had a team out on the highway waving flags to greet us. The church lined the entry way to the mess hall tonight and greeted each and every person as they entered.
Thanks again for taking the time to read these updates. Please keep us in your prayers. It blesses us to hear from you when you read these – so thanks. A special thanks to Mégan Alba in RDC’s Communications office for posting these and working with us.
We’re almost to D.C.!
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