The Blessing of the Bikes

Blessing Of The Bikes

Proud To Be An American

Kate

Saluting the Flag

Raising The Flag

Fred Marshall

This Sunday found me at the first bike event of the year here in Western Pennsylvania … The Blessing of the Bikes. This was the 12Th annual blessing by Rev Daniel B. Lawrence or Pastor Dan, as those who ride with him know him. The location of the event is at the Murrysville Alliance Church. Every year the blessing has grown in the number of attendees, although this year was down just a little from the 10,000 bikes of last year due to the horrible weather forecast, which never came to bear.

The purpose of the blessing is to bring riders together and share a blessing of their bikes for the new riding season. It is also a way for Pastor Dan to introduce his Sunday service to those who wish to do so, although many just come for the camaraderie of the bike event. There is food and coffee available for all visitors; as well as free pins to wear that show the wearers support and participation.

This blessing was in honor of the troops over seas, and current or recent vets were brought up to the podium to be honored by the large crowd. The parents of troops now serving were also brought up as well for the show of support by all present. The families of those serving abroad also have to sacrifice, live in fear, and go through the war as an active part of it. The parents, as well as spouses or significant others have had to endure the worries about the health and welfare of love ones in precarious circumstances since war was fought for the first time. There is nothing that lifts the spirits of such loved ones like a letter from overseas telling them how you are all right; although they know that you are lying, it makes them feel better nonetheless. Keep those letters coming!

When the proceedings get to the point where the Murrysville Fire Department raises the flag up 100 feet, I always think of my old friend, Fred Marshall, He was a World War Two vet who volunteered as a firefighter for the company since coming back home from the war. He passed away last year after 65 years of firefighting service to his community.

After all is done, a core of the riders meet at a designated place for the sharing of bread together. This day was no different as we met in Greensburg for a nice meal and sophisticated conversation that ran the gauntlet of boy talk, with a sprinkle of feminine opine. Other small groups met at other venues, then it was time for everyone to spread out in all directions, as those from the neighboring states headed home. I will look for some of you next year when you come back home. Look for me there, as I will be there.

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Photos:
1. Blessing of the bikes: A view of the back and overflow parking lot.
2. I Am Proud to be an American: This 17 year-old woman sang her heart out during the indoor service doing her rendition of “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American).” It was very refreshing to see a young person with such pride.
3. Kate: This young woman rider refuses to be defined by anyone, and is an original free spirit. She rode in for her first blessing on a bike that she brought back from the dead, and although it looks on the surface to be old and decrepit, she is very proud of her resourcefulness to be able to do such, and ride with pride.
4. A few of the vets saluting the flag as it is being raised by the Murrysville FD.
5. Company 120 of the Murrysville FD is taking the flag up in front of the crowd.
6. Fred Marshall. A portrait I shot of him shortly before he passed on.

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Keep Your Head Down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania