Ride Report
Teach The Children Ride.
Manor Elementary School, Levittown, Pa.
11/7/08

This ride was a coalition of the WWR, Rolling Thunder and FotF. Prez of Rolling Thunder headed up the ride.

We rallied with about 13 bikes near the school. At the appointed time, we headed out to the school which was several miles away. As we drove into the school entrance we saw Cav already there and Fungi on the roof, both intending to get some movies of our arrival but we surprised them and they didn’t get their cameras ready in time. As we drove past the front of the building we could see many little faces in the windows waving. So we laid on the horns and waved back.

Once we parked and dismounted, we were led into the cafeteria where coffee and bagels awaited us. This was very thoughtful of the school staff and much appreciated. Once the ceremony was to begin, we were led onto the stage in the auditorium were rows of chairs had been setup for us. The local high school band and Honor guard were in the back awaiting the entrance of the student body. We watched as all the children filed in and took their places on the gym floor.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the National Anthem played by the band. The school had spent the last week or so emphasizing veterans and what that means. All of the children had written essays on what it means to be a veteran. The winning essayists from each grade then read their essays to the assembly. They were amazing and we were all quite touched that these young minds had grasped the concept of service to one’s country as well as they had. It made us all very proud of them.

The MC introduced Prez who said a few words about the importance of honoring and remembering our veterans. Then he passed the mic to each of us on the stage so we could introduce ourselves. We each stated our service branch, unit and service years. Prez then presented the MC with a FotF flag for the flag pole at the front of the school.

The school choir then sang America the Beautiful to the accompaniment of the band. As the children filed out, the band played Grand Ole Flag and we stood on the stage and waved goodbye.

We were very impressed with the school staff and the student body. They had put on a presentation of patriotism and respect that they all can be very proud of. We thank them for their efforts and wish them to know that we are grateful that future American’s will have a more reverent view of veterans and their sacrifices made for all of us.

Bobcat