Two events Saturday and Sunday

Saturday was an ugly and dreary day, with cold drizzle and late afternoon
rain.. The Veterans Administration Hospital made all of us welcome and the
staff made sure the patients were aware of our presence by bringing them to
the windows, as we held our signs of support for them.. Dallas Morning News
reporter Doug Swanson was there, with his photographer .. He interviewed and
spoke with most of the ones who were assembled on that street.. Passing
traffic honked and waved, some of them stopping to offer support and
donations.. Although we were not accepting donations, they were all offered
memberships in Texas Democratic Veteran organization.. This event was the
perfect example of Americans coming together to work for a common and
noteworthy cause.. the support of the ones in uniform who serve our
Nation..There were democrats, republicans, independents and a lot of people
who don't claim allegiance to any political persuasion..

The group who assembled on that cold and miserable street was small, but the
enthusiasm was ever present and contagious to the spectators who saw them..
Several asked what we were "protesting or demonstating" about, and were
surprised to learn that we weren't there in protest nor demonstrating
against anything .. Only in support of our true patriots who have sacrificed
so much on our behalf.. That is the reason that we came together on this
dismal day.. This was the day we had chosen to offer thanks to all of them..
And I offer my thanks to one and all who joined with us, in this effort..
Good job..

Sunday morning was slightly different conditions, as it wasn't raining and
not quite so cold.. The DFW Chapter of TMRA 2 hosted a fish fry dinner with
live band and games.. Elmer McKeegan has made this into an annual event ..
This year, as usual.. the get together was held in the VFW hall on Smith St.

The gathering started rather slowly, but by about one o'clock..
motorcyclists from the metroplex began to stream in.. Groups of up to twenty
began to arrive, eat .. visit and leave to enjoy the decent day of riding..

Sputnik was there as well as many of the other brothers and sisters from
Austin and the Waco areas.. The one and only Suds and Butterfly came, and I
was excited to finally become acquainted with them.. I'm delighted to know
brothers and sisters who really share the genuine pride, of this brotherhood
and fellowship of Bikers..

As usual, with a gathering of this kind.. politics, motorcycles.. and even
the joys of family were topics of discussion.. Wives, small children and
even a couple of the family dogs were seen as everyone shared the food,
music and fellowship..

The Patriots came and joined with Gypsies, Boozefighters and a couple of the
other independent clubs in the festivities.. What a day.. Congratulations
Elmer, you put together a successful party which everyone thoroughly
enjoyed.. Thank you..

Your Friend in Irving
Bill Walker