Tess looked out at the group that had gathered for the ride. It was her first event as Road Captain and she’d wanted it to be perfect, but she hadn’t expected so many people to be there. The entire MC was present, as were at least twenty guests from nearby clubs that had responded to her advertisements. To say that Tess was overwhelmed by the support was an understatement.
“Are we ready to go, Road Captain?” President Abe Stanton asked as he put a hand on her shoulder.
“I believe we are,” she replied with a smile. She looked over at Nitro who gave her an encouraging smile and she turned on her headset, looking out at the group. “If I could have everyone’s attention?” She waited until the chatter had settled down and then began. “I’m Tess Crenshaw, your new Road Captain. Today’s ride is very special, and I’m beyond moved that you all joined us. Not only is this my first ride in this position, but we are going to a place that is very sacred. It is a memorial for those who have served in the military, both in years past and present.”
Cheers rose from the group of riders, who seemed eager to go.
“We’ll head out once I’m finished going over the logistics here, and feel free to chat on the headsets on the way there. Once we arrive at the memorial, I ask that you turn off the headsets and enter the grounds in silence as we look at the memorials set up. Afterwards, we’ll meet up back at the clubhouse here and share stories and honor those we know that have served. Let’s do that in a couple of hours. Then, feel free to stay for a Bike Night where we’ll be entertained by one of our talented DJ’s! So without further ado, I thank you all for coming, and let’s ride out!”
Engines started and the group was soon out on the road. It was a thirty minute ride to the memorial, and the conversation over the headsets was lively. Nitro rode beside Tess, and she was happy to have him there for moral support. She could see pride in his eyes as he looked over at her throughout the ride.
They arrived at the memorial and everyone turned off their headsets as instructed. Nitro took her hand and the group dispersed to explore each section of the garden. They passed several memorials for the first and second world wars, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and many other battles.
A group of Blue Angel planes was set up to honor the work of the Navy pilots that still flew in formation to remember their fallen comrades.
Tess hesitated as they approached the memorial for 9-11. There were two towers as expected, but what struck her most was the plane that was going into one of the towers. At first, it made her upset to see it, but as she thought about it more, there were people on the planes that lost their lives as well. It was appropriate to remember them too.
The cemetery with the flag at half-mast was also moving. An honor guard paced back and forth as the bikers fanned out to read the tombstones. Tess squeezed Nitro’s hand, remembering her grandfather who had fought in World War 2. She said a silent prayer, thanking God for the last year that they had together, going through his memoirs and writing them down for the family.
After everyone rejoined at the entrance of the grounds, they turned on their headsets again and rode back to the clubhouse. They shared stories and then began to dance as Becky spun the tunes until well after midnight.
When things were over, Nitro walked Tess back to her apartment. He held her close when they reached the door and leaned in to kiss her. “I’m so damn proud of you, baby. Tonight was incredible.”
“Thanks, hon. I’m so relieved it went well.”
“You know who else would be proud? Your grandfather. This is the perfect job for you.”
“I love you so much,” Tess said through the tears that were starting to form, and leaned in to kiss him goodnight before heading back inside for a much-needed good night’s sleep.