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Health & Fitness

Motorcycles Stampede Into Town Flying Red, White & Blue

Mid-morning Sunday October 23, 2011, something amazing passed right through our town. If you were not fortunate enough to stumble upon, let me try and set the stage for you.

Mid-morning Sunday, something amazing passed right through our town.  If you were not fortunate enough to stumble upon it, let me try and set the stage for you.

Cars were suddenly stopped in their tracks by police barricades along Waukegan Road, forcing the weekend errand-runners to wait, wondering what was so important that it was holding up their busy day. A quick police siren broke the silence, and then Northbrook was filled with the revving of motorcycle engines.  A constant stream of motorcycles passed through town honking their horns, waving, flying American flags, "Support Our Troops flags," and many other flags.  Looking south on Waukegan Road all you could see were more motorcycles with their headlights shining as they made their way into town. 

Some people began to stumble out of their cars to see what was happening, others sat in their cars annoyed by the inconvenient caravan of motorcycles, while others sat watching with their amazement outweighing their confusion. 

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The unsuspecting spectators watched the steady stream of motorcycles continuing north on Waukegan Road for about 20 minutes.  With each passing motorcycle, honk or wave, you suddenly began to feel as if you were taking part in something really big. You could sense love, devotion and pride in the faces of each of the riders as they waved but you still were not too sure what you were experiencing.  After questioning the police officers that were monitoring traffic, we learned that what we were experiencing was the true definition of patriotism.

On a beautiful Sunday morning, those of us fortunate enough to be traveling in the proximity of Waukegan Road, or anywhere between Des Plaines all the way to Zion, were able to unintentionally, yet very willingly, support the 7th Annual Heroes Ride supported by the American Firefighters Motorcycle Club in celebration of the United States Marine Corps 236th Birthday and Marine Week.  While we ran errands and enjoyed the beautiful weather, we were reminded of all the fallen and wounded heroes and their families.  We were forced to stop and honor our soldiers and their families. Something amazing passed through our town and for those of us fortunate enough to be a part of it, we experienced something more powerful than any words could describe. 

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The ride benefits two nonprofits that helps veterans, The Heart of a Marine and The Wounded Heroes foundations.

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