Ride Report for Ride Captain HowardK

 

Saturday August 3rd began with clear weather but turned a bit wet as we rallied at the Coatesville Veterans Hospital to provide an escort to the 5th annual hospitalized veterans tribute concert in Gorkas Park in Philadelphia.

 

Warriors Watch Riders were invited by the 21st Ward Veterans Association and by the Coatesville Veterans Hospital to provide an escort to the 5th annual hospitalized veterans tribute concert in Philadelphia. More than two dozen WWR members met in Coatesville at 9:00. We met and spoke with many of the hospitalized veterans as we awaited arrival of the transportation for the day. When the bus arrived, all of the veterans boarded and prepared for the escorted ride to Roxboro.

 

We exited the hospital with about a dozen bikes up front and a dozen following the large red, white and blue bus. As we reached the Philadelphia city limits we were met by Philadelphia Police as the entourage proceeded down Ridge Avenue to the annual event.

 

Upon reaching Gorkas Park the street was lined by flag carrying members from the 21st Ward Veterans Association, Boy Scout troop 334, The Marine Corps League, as well as by many members of the community eager to greet our HERO’s. When the bus pulled in, a flag lined “walk of honor” was formed to greet the visiting VIP’s from the Coatesville VA Medical Center. The honored guests were led to a covered picnic area to await the large buffet meal which awaited them.

 

Bruce Hoffman greeted all of the veterans on behalf of the 21st Ward Veterans Association as he stood in front of the concert pavilion. The Merion Concert Band then opened the program with our national anthem

 

The veterans then enjoyed the meal prepared in their honor as a one act play was performed. The Merion Concert Band then continued the concert for the enjoyment of all the honored vets. Before departing, each honored veteran was provided a “care package” to enjoy when they arrived back in Coatesville.

 

WWR would like to thank Bruce Hoffman and the 21st Ward Veterans Association for organizing this very fitting recognition of our hospitalized veterans and for again inviting WWR to be part of this very well organized event. Thanks also go out to the Philadelphia PD for their patriotism, support and participation in this veteran’s recognition ceremony. Most of all, THANK YOU veterans for your service and sacrifice, without which our nation and citizens could not enjoy the freedoms we all enjoy today.

 

 

Respectfuly,

 

Ride Captain HowardK

Pictures complements of Bikerider