Hi Doug...

I want to share with you an experience I had recently. As you know, the PGR was invited to attend the Fort Snelling interrment ceremony of Charles Lindberg, one of the Marines that raised our flag over Iwo Jima more than 60 years ago. The famous picture of the flag raising was done by a second group of men - staged for the camera. There were no cameras the first time the flag was raised.

This event was well attended - perhaps 200 bikes. As always, the family and others passed among us, thanking us for our presence and support. This time, for me, it was a little different. A woman came by and shook my hand, thanking me and telling me how much it meant to the family to see us there. I responded like I usually do by saying something like: "It's an honor to be here with you and your family today" (if I'm not too choked up to speak - happens all the time).

She thanked me again and moved on, but returned a few minutes later and presented me with something I will value my whole life. What she gave me was a commemorative pin with an engraving of the flag raising on Iwo Jima, the date, and the names of those who erected the first flag on that hilltop. Charles Lindberg was indeed listed among those names. I asked her if she was sure she wanted to give something valuable like this to me (one face in a crowd) and she assured me that she did. I don't know why she picked me. I don't know how old it is or if it has any historical significance but to me it means alot. As I see it, this pin was given by the family of one of the mostly unsung heroes of WWII, whose burial I was attending. I gratefully accepted this pin and will wear it with great pride.

I'd like to share this attached photograph with our members here in Minnesota and across the nation. Charles Lindberg was only one Marine. He served his country with distinction and returned home to live a normal life. Quiet and unassuming, living in our midst - all the time being a part of this historic event.

Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi was only one battlefield, but the visual image of this flag-raising will live forever in our country's history, demonstrating the courage and valor of our armed forces and their pride in our flag.

I am so grateful to the Lindberg family for this gift and just had to share this with you. You can't know how much this has touched me.

David
Minneapolis MN