Thank You, Cape Cod from a Marine on Memorial Day

Jonathan Bedwell, USMC, 1975

Jonathan Bedwell, USMC, 1984

 

The following is a thank you letter from a Cape Codder named Jonathan Bedwell who served in the U.S. Marines in the mid-’80s.

Dear Cape Cod:

I am one of the lucky veterans that made it home without the scars of war. There are so many veterans that were not so lucky and many others that that did not make it home at all. I am a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys going to local rides.

These rides support our fallen warriors from recent conflicts, the fallen of past conflicts, as well as our veterans and their families. I feel it is important to remember the fallen and thank our veterans as often as possible. Remember: For every one of our men and women in uniform there are a thousand standing behind them who have the privilege of not doing what they do.

These men and women are our family, neighbors and friends.

Chances are if you toss a stone from your home in any direction, you will hit the home of someone that has been touched by the evils of war in some way.

In the past few years I have seen the support for rides and events, such as Big Nick’s Ride For the Fallen here on Cape Cod, increase in size and strength. You, Cape Cod, have greeted these rides with open arms and great support. Sadly, this is not the case elsewhere.

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I have been part of other rides recently where there does not seem to be any support from their own community. In fact, they don’t seem to care. On my last ride this spring, I saw three people waving the American flag and ONE sign for support for the fallen hero for whom the ride was named. I was not far from Cape Cod. This troubled me.

We don’t ride to get our motorcycles noticed or to draw attention to ourselves. We ride to remember those who have suffered and lost and to and support their families; OUR families. We are your neighbors, veterans, doctors, lawyers, police, fire fighters, teachers and just all around good people who care.

It was not that long ago when our men returned from Vietnam and were not shown any love or support. Nothing. THAT MUST NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!

There are some who believe that the noise we make should be banned. I wonder if those people also complain about the noise the fireworks make on the 4th of July. Should we ban them too? Shame on you!

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Big Nick’s Ride For The Cape Cod Fallen takes place one day a year. This year it will be on Sunday July 24. We do not wish to upset your day-to-day life. We want you take an hour out of one day to remember.

Sometime, take a count of every bike as it passes you on a support ride. Those riders give their own hard-earned money (usually around $20 per bike) to enter in the ride. Those funds are put to good local use supporting the veterans and their loved ones in our area.

THAT’S WHY WE RIDE!

Again a big heart felt THANK YOU to our families and friends here on Cape Cod. Thank you to every person to waves, shouts, holds a flag or a sign. Your support is greatly appreciated and there can never be enough.

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Our soldiers are still out there and we will continue to ride in support of them. And if you live in a town that has local rides, please continue to show your support.

We hope to see you all very soon.

About Cat Wilson

Cat Wilson is "That Girl" on Cape Country 104 – a Cape Cod native and longtime Cape radio personality. She is a passionate supporter of Military and Veteran causes on the Cape and also hosts local music spotlight program, “The Cheap Seats” on Ocean 104.7.

Comments

  1. Michele Higgins says

    Nicely said. Our Troops and Veterans deserve all of our support and then some.

  2. Deanne P Connors- Peters says

    I am a fellow veteran. Everyone who served must be remembered, as all gave some and some gave ALL! And as the veterans age, the generation of heroes grows smaller and smaller. Please continue to celebrate the patriotism of those who have served with your ride in spite of those who might complain! “Keep on keepin’ on!” Oorah!

  3. Tammy Deese says

    First and foremost THANK YOU! Well put! I am a former rider and now one who welcomes y’all as you ride through my town. Keep riding keep inspiring keep supporting!!

  4. Doreen Muirbrook says

    Thank you for all you do

  5. CARLOS R TIRADO says

    IM A FELLOW VET FROM PUERTO RICO…THANKS FOR TAKING CARE…

  6. Thank you for your Service Marine!

  7. Carole ODonnell says

    The nicest way to put it that I’ve seen: All gave some, some gave all.

  8. Dennis S. Conner says

    Yes I’m Sgt. Dennis S. Conner Vietnam 67-68.TET USMC, and so much I remember coming home from there. We were treated like s***. Even still to this day the Veterans administration will not give use what’s do. I’ve been on appeal for PTSD an agent orange. I’m 72 guess agent orange will kill me of the cancer I have, Then I will be forgotten like many others. Our politicians say they care, you no how they lie just for your vote.

    • Dennis S. Conner says

      I also belong to LeatherNecks MC Illinois we also ride to support Toys For Tots and support our downed vets. family’s

  9. So perfectly stated.

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