So much in such a short time

There has been so much going on and so many things happened since my last post. It is unfortunate it took a repat and the passing of an Honorable man to make time to write.

As strange as it may seem, in all the years that I have been attending the repats this was the first time it rained. It came down hard and NO ONE complained. Sgt Martin Goudreault came home today and was honored as a true hero. It's too bad it takes bad things to bring people together but it would seem repats bring out the true strength in ourselves. R.I.P. Sgt Goudreault, thank-you for your ultimate sacrifice.

It is with equal sorrow to find out on the same day that another Hero (WWII Vet), fellow CAV member and a Great Man passed away last night. DR, the same person mentioned in an earlier post left us physically but will remain in our hearts and memories. There are always people that come and go but occasionally someone comes along that leaves a life long impression, DR was that man. One can try and list all the things that made a person great or memorable but to me saying he was a genuine "Good Person" sums it up. It may be he was from a different era, but it didn't matter who or what you were, you felt his warmth. I will post more for his memorial.
For now R.I.P. buddy.

Several other rides have also taken place since that last post. The biggest were the Highway of Hero's Salute Ride, Ride for Dad in Kingston and the CAV D Day Invasion. All the rides have pics on the 1 CAV website and the Juno website. The most memorable was visiting the war museum in Ottawa. It is very humbling to see what was done in the past to ensure our freedoms we enjoy today. I also thought is was cool that Wayne Rostat (Rafters) The CAV Honorary Rider in Chief to Veteran Supporters said he liked my bike. He was standing out front talking with Trapper and I was sitting on my bike. He turned and said nice bike....I turned around to see who he was talking to and no one was around so I said thanks.

Until next time.....

Repat of Trooper Larry Rudd

The latest Canadian hero was repatriated today. On the tarmac to meet the plane was a high number of his family and friends. A lot of them drove through Repat Row with their personal vehicles and their emotions were easy to see. It is one thing to stand at attention holding the Canadian flag looking at smoke windows, but to look at the pain felt by his family and friends pulls the emotional strings that much more.

I was proud to be 1 of many that stood and showed his family that their loved one is a true Canadian Hero. R.I.P. Trooper Rudd.

Repat of Colonel Geoff Parker

Canada's highest ranking Hero to be killed was repatriated on Friday, regardless of the rank the family feels the same pain. The CAV, Legion, Blue Knights and many other groups were at repat row to show respect and support for the family. It is always emotional when holding the Canadian Flag when the procession goes by and the bagpipes are playing. As is always the case saying thank-you for your ultimate sacrifice never seems enough. All we can hope is that, he is not only the highest rank but the LAST to be honoured in this way.

Colonel RIP and to your family may you find solace that a great many people appreciate his/your sacrifice.

http://picasaweb.google.ca/1cav.webmaster/RepatriationForColGeoffParker#

DR's new vest

With a busy month of saying goodbye to Canadian fallen hero's it was a nice change to say Thank-you and present D.R. with his new vest.

To see more pictures of a very enjoyable and emotional presentation click on the link.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/May18RideToDRS#

Repat of Pte McKay

Once again Repat Row was filled with red shirts, flags and hundreds showing respect for our latest hero Pte Kevin McKay and his ultimate sacrifice.

One of the largest bike turn outs that I have seen, it was good to see so many give their time and energy on this Sunday afternoon.

Our thoughts go out to his family and hope this will be our last repat.

http://picasaweb.google.ca/1cav.webmaster/May16RepatriationPteMcKay#

Repat of PO2 Craig Blake

It is with great sadness that once again, I found myself participating in another colour party to honour a Canadian hero. For those that have never been to repat row, it is truly humbling to see so many give their time and energy to show support for the grieving families.

See link for a few pictures and a surpise visit from a VIP
http://picasaweb.google.com/1cav.webmaster/RepatOfPO2CraigBlake#

For all those out there that pray, do so in the hope this will be the last repat.

Rest in Peace PO2 Craig Blake

Vimy Bike Show

Another weekend of Riding and activities.....


Up early to start our journey to Kingston....leave Trenton to Belleville to pickup our more eastern Juno members.






The ride was cool but nice...once there time for a group photo

Inside the Bike Show had something for everyone from riding apparel (I bought a rain suit), pins, badges.....even hot tubs

Outside were the Sky Hawks and the jumping of our Colours

Parade to hand over the Colours
The ride back to Trenton was a little wet....but the bikes needed to get the bugs off anyway ;)

Then that night was the HOG Dance....Mike and Darlene did a great job

Over all just more proof why it's great to belong to the Riding community.

For more pictures visit the 1 CAV photo album