CCMC -- Memorial Day Parade 2001

The morning started out on the right foot, or left foot which ever way you want to look at it, by club members asking me where is the coffee and the donuts as I was dismounting my bike. At that point, I knew I was in for a long day. Welcome to being Road Captain; I thought.

We left the clubhouse a little after 9:15 AM. I was disappointed by the amount of turn out for the size of this club.

Thanks to Club President George and Peggy Farrell, and Mark and Mary Leland for providing the riders with flags. I dropped the ball on that one.

After arriving at the staging area, we were directed to where to line up. I checked us in and was given the number 42 out of 50. The number indicated where we were in line in the parade. Before I could inform club members and guests that the donuts and coffee were dropped off here by mistake, I was getting lots of thank you for breakfast. I smiled and gladly accepted the thank you. Little did they know that I had nothing to do with it but it is my little secret.

Keeping with traditions of the military, I was not surprised with the hurry up and wait concept. Meaning that we had to be in the staging area by 10:15 AM and the parade was supposed to start at 11:00 AM. When the church bells rung at 11:00 AM and the parade have not started, Sheila Keenarsen asked why hasn’t the parade started? As I attempted to explain the military concept of time to her, I found myself smiling, listening, and nodding my head as she explained why events should start on time. I tried to point her in the direction of the individual who was in charge but was unsuccessful. So I continue to smile, listen, and nod my head.

Then it was show time. The parade was on. Sherman Chaplin made us proud by carrying the United States Flag for the club. Keeping step behind him, Amanda and Sierra Chaplin also did us proud by carrying our club’s banner. They were awesome!

The ride was not long at all. We did not even go all the way around the Capital. As we passed the reviewing stand we received a certificate of appreciation for our participation in the parade.

I am proud to say that I did not lose anyone. I was really worried about that since we had far to go (from the club house to P and 14 Streets). I hope next year we have a bigger turn out so we could show our support to the men and women that gave their lives to this country.

Ralph Santos,
CCMC

Copyright © 2003, Capital City Motorcycle Club, Inc.