November 6, 2009 was a cloudy, damp, cold afternoon, but that did not prevent over 850 students at Mid-Valley School, near Scranton, PA, from surrounding the parking lot of their school, carrying flags, banners, and signs to honor our Veterans. They were waiting for the arrival of thirty or more motorcycles…and they cheered louder that the bikes, as we made two passes through the lot!

After we parked the bikes, the students were hustled into the all-purpose room, and again, stood and cheered as a military Honor guard and a bagpiper, playing “It’s a Grand Old Flag” led us through the crows to the stage. Members of Warriors’ Watch Riders, Friends of the Forgotten, American Legion Riders, and Soldiers’ Angels proceeded to the stage.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Member Kim Atkinson spoke to the children about our purpose…to help them understand the meaning of Veterans’ Day, and what our Veterans mean to us.

In Kim’s Words…” A Very, Very BIG Thank You to all who participated in the Teach the children Program at Mid Valley Elementary Today!
850 cheering Children welcomed us and chanted: “USA-USA-USA,” as we entered the auditorium! IT WAS ELECTRIFYING!!
We were escorted by Navy, Army, Airforce & Bag Piper, followed by WWR, and FotF members. Tobyhanna Army Depot rep. Colleen Gavin graciously passed out Red Shirts to those children who won a sort of Lottery. We were also graced by members of the Dickson City Legion Riders & Soldiers Angels as we rode in and presented the program- A very big thank you as well to the Throop Police Department for their very professional escort- It is always an honor to be escorted by these fine Policemen! Each child received a Certificate thanking them for their honor to our Veterans from FOTF and each received a POW/MIA & American Flag sticker compliments of FOTF. Junior Members were called on stage & honored with an Honor Coin given to them by Howard Lee, President of FOTF Northeast Wing, & a plaque and POW/MIA flag were presented to the school as well as an honor coin to Principal Carlos Lopez. The children welcomed us with a very heartfelt reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and America the Beautiful! This is the kind of event that lifts us up! This is the reason for our Being! This is the VERY reason why we are “Friends of the Forgotten”- We know these children will never ever forget our Veterans!
Thank YOU ALL! Kim”

A brief lesson was given on the meaning of the colors of the American Flag, the symbolism of the POW-MIA Flag, and the Blue Star and Gold Star banners. The students were attentive, respectful, yet very excited. I feel sure that at least 850 more young Americans now have a better understanding and appreciation for our Veterans, and all they have done to insure that gatherings such as this can and will take place in the USA!

Respectfully Submitted,
Al “Bluesman” Philo
Warriors’ Watch Riders PA State Coordinator, Northeast PA region