i am proud

i wrote this in the third person. as follows.  ---   i heard you were coming , coming to hurricane ,west virginia  on your way to the Wall.  I came out and i wondered around the park , watching as the preparations were being made. I heard a familiar noise and looked up to see a ol huey coming in for a landing in the parking lot. i moved closer looking and remembering.  i listened to the small talk and heard some one say--they are at the state line and coming fast.  the huey sprang to life and i watched as it lifted into the air. i wondered were it was going  , and i heard them say --they are going out to meet the pack and lead them in.  i was   surprised at this and i began to get excited along with every one else there. soon we heard the [chop chop chop] of the blades and she once again landed in the parking lot.  some one was calling out the miles , and when the group turned off at the exit and headed into the park i made my way to a place where i could see them pass by.  i stood there and saluted you , each and every one of you as you passed by. i looked into your faces and seen the miles and hours in the saddle. you looked great . and i smiled to myself and thought --i am proud , so proud.!!   that all of you would do this--ride to remember those who have served , and paid the ultimate price.  i was there in the dining hall as you gathered to break bread and satisfy a well deserved hunger. i stopped at your table and listened to the small talk,  the chuckles , and the tears.   i walked with you as you ate ice cream cones , with it melting n dripping on your chins and beards.  and i walked with you as headed for your tents and campers to lay the days exhaustion down.   as it got dark i listened to the night sounds creeping in. and stood watch over you as you slept thru the night. and as morning drew near i listened as you stirred , waking , streching , softly cursing the stiffness you tried to over come. some one calls out--is there coffee yet?  and there is the scent of hot coffee drifting thru the morning air. i remember the taste of hot coffe in the mornings. ahhhh--itd be wonderful to share a cup with you. but i shall be content to stand close by as you pack n repack your gear , for today the much anticipated ride to rainelle and the children is about to start.   i hear the bikes begin to rumble as platoons  and lines form. last minute instructions go out and i see every ones anticipation building. i move to a spot where i can watch you leave and when the signal is givin the sea of bikes  begins moving as one.  i come to attention ,and salute you , each and every one of you as you pass by , as a tear rolls off my cheek.  i say-- thank you--thank you for remembering---me!  i watch you in the distance , riding out of site and i feel my chest swell and again i am proud  ---so proud of you all.

Well said.