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History
What its About:
Memorial Day, A national Holiday,usually held on May 30, each year, always on
Monday. A day set aside to honor the hundreds of thousand Veterans from all
branches of service and all walks of life, that fought and died, to keep America
Free, and to honor those that fought and survived! "Freedom is not Free."
How it began:
In 1998, I, a former Army Staff Sergeant, Gary Lemonds traveled to Washington,
D.C. to meet up with several men whom he had served with in a Ranger Company in
Vietnam, a trip he had made several times since 1992 to meet at the giant black
marble wall to honor the 58,479 men and women that died for their country and
some 2000 missing in action in the Republic of Vietnam. This was to be a special
day, I had vowed that someday I would ride with the 100,000 plus veterans in the
Rolling Thunder parade down Constitution Avenue and past the White House, the
day had come, accompanied by two Daughters and a grand daughter and one Harley
Davidson Motor Cycle. It was a day I will never forget, leaving Arlington,
Virginia and crossing the Great Memorial Bridge into Washington, a feeling came
over me, like I had died and gone to heaven, standing on the bridge, was two of
my best friends,I had fought with in Vietnam and my two daughters and grand
daughter, I made another promise that day, that I was coming back to Georgia and
organize a parade similar to Rolling Thunder, to honor the thousands of Georgia
Veterans, that would never have the opportunity of traveling to Washington, and
with much work and some help it was done, the "Ride for America Parade" honoring
Veterans, A.K.A. [Thunder in the Country] The first ride was held on Memorial
Day in 1999.
While on a trip to Myrtle Beach Bike week, May 1998, I met a fellow Vietnam
Veteran and Harley Rider, Stan mauldin. We discussed plans for a motorcycle
ride, honoring Veterans, this was the beginning of a great friendship that has
grown and lasted. We are now looking foward to the 7th Annual Ride For America
Parade on Memorial Day May 30, 2005. With good weather, we are expecting over
1000 Motor Cycles. God Bless America!
Bio of Stan Mauldin:
My name is Stan Mauldin and I am honored to be associated with the "Ride for
America Parade". I can write this article because of the men and women who have
and are serving this country. Our freedom comes at a great price -- but I am
proud to say that I have done my part in preserving this country so that our
children can enjoy what we have and that my friends is FREEDOM. I'm a Vietnam
Veteran (Army 1968-1969). I received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star and I am
very proud of these awards, not boastful just very humble and glad that I could
do my small part in preserving our freedom. I am a family man. I've been married
for 17 years and have two lovely daughters, Kimberly Clark and Laura Pate. I
also have two great son-in-laws, one who is currently serving in the Army
National Guard. Gary and I became good friends because of this ride. We share a
common goal and that goal is to thank and remember all of our heroes who are and
have been a member of the Armed Services. I have personally been invloved with
charity motorcycle rides and bike shows. I have helped raise money for American
Diabetes, Juvenile Diabetes, March for Dimes, and Care for Cops. The rides and
bike shows are a great way to raise money to help those in need. It is something
I enjoy and I have met alot of great people along the way. So please come out
and support our "VETERANS" on May 30th, 2005.
Note: Gary L. Lemonds, a highly decorated combat soldier, with the 75th. Ranger
Regiment in Vietnam was nominated for and inducted into the "Ranger Hall of
Fame", August 25th, 1994, at a ceremony in Ft. Benning, Ga.
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