Here’s to the Heroes
It’s hard to explain the intensity and emotions I experienced on this day, but I will try…
This day was more than an event. It was a time for remembering and celebrating a young man’s life and his choice to serve his country sacrificially…This young man, Brent Zoucha was a lively, fun, passionate, deep souled individual. His family and friends loved him feircely and his community loved him greatly, it was a true honor to be a part of this special day.
His mother erected a Memorial Room in his honor, and to be frank, I was nervous about how I would feel upon entering. This was the beginning of the many emotions I experienced…What a tribute to his life and his service for our country. Framed photos from all stages of his life, a memory book from third grade, medals from sports achievements, uniforms, paintings, letters from congressmen and women and even the President. Remnants of a life well lived in such a short amount of time… this room is tangible evidence of this well lived life. And a great reminder that every solider KIA (killed in action) is someone’s child, someone’s brother, someone’s friend, and to never take their decision to serve for granted.
The goal for the motorcyclists (is this what you are called guys and gals?) at this event; each biker would receive cards at each stop (stops spanning over 100 miles) and whomever recieved the highest ranking cards at the end of the day was the winner of the money the tickets were bought with (which in the end was donated back to Brent’s family for his memorial fund!).
Someone told me there were 102 motorcycles…This just blew me away! I soon realized that most of these bikers didn’t even know Brent or even his family (some people even rented bikes to be a part of the day). These kind souls have the hearts and love that is extended in memory of others who served and were lost, yet are never forgotten…
At the dance and dinner following the Poker Run (which I will mention a big shout out to God for giving us perfect weather, literally not a cloud in the sky) everyone was fed and the rest of the raffle prizes were auctioned off. Way to go all you generous folks who gave and gave and gave and then gave a little more, this just humbled me and made my heart swell.
One other part of the day I can’t go with out mentioning was the “Changing of the Colors”. The emotion, respect and sorrow was overwhelming. Almost more than I can explain…Hopefully the photos will help give you an idea of what it was like…
Thank you for serving our country Brent.
It was an honor to know you.
Here are some photos from Brent Zoucha Memorial Poker Run 2011. If you are interested in knowing more about anything from this day click on this link…(Brent Zoucha Memorial Page). And huge thanks to EVERYONE who made this event a huge success!
Big thanks to these guys who made these neat above shot photos possible from their cool cherry picker! Which I even got to run myself!
There is no force quite like that of a mother’s love.