Local and national motorcycle clubs gathered at the Memorial Park in Sacaton to honor veterans for Memorial Day. The Brothers from the Rez Motorcycle Club, held the Native Warrior Run at the park on the morning of May 12, 2009. The run was started 5 to 6 years ago to recognize Native veterans and to offer, "much needed due and respect and honor for their service to their Country," said Barney Enos, Jr., D4.
Enos, a member of the Brothers from the Rez and newly elected Council representative, said the run began in the Tohono O'odham Nation before visiting Sacaton. The run proceeded to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, then the bikers steered their iron horses to Apache communities, and they also participated in services with the Navajo Nation and the Pueblos of New Mexico. "When we reach out to the other [Native American] communities, we find other commonalities as Indian people and in some cases distant relatives," Enos said of the extensive but rewarding motorcycle run.
"The Brothers from the Rez began as a group of Natives and Veterans who were also motorcycle riders, with ties to the Gila River Indian Community," according to their website www.brothersfromtherez.com. Membership consists of Veterans and friends and family.
Robert Porter, former Councilman, D7, and former GRIC Community Manager and Retired USMC Major Urban Giff, D6 spoke at Memorial Park as the Brothers from the Rez paid respect to Native American soldiers.
"He definitely speaks from the heart from his experiences," said Enos of Mr. Porter's touching words.
On the previous day another local group stopped to pay homage to the families of fallen soldiers. Patriots Warriors, visited the Memorial Park before traveling to Native communities.
Josie Kakar-Delsi, route coordinator for Patriots Warriors and auxiliary member of the Ira H. Hayes American Legion Post #84, noted that the group was destined for Washington DC to participate in Memorial Day services in our Nation's Capital. "We do this run across the United States and we arrive in Washington DC by Memorial Day," said Kakar-Delsi.
Patriots Warriors were joined by riders from Colorado, the State of Washington, and several that came from Florida.
Gary Hampton, one of the riders from Florida, was representing Rolling Thunder, a national non-profit organization that works to bring full accountability for American POWs and MIAs. Hampton said the Patriots Warriors Run was aimed at Native Americans. "We go to many reservations," he said.
Riding with Patriots Warriors always strikes a chord with Hampton and Rolling Thunder. "It touched my soul to do this...At times it brings me to tears," he said.
Motorcyclists are always at the forefront in honoring Veterans. Not to be confused with the "1%ers" who exude the "Outlaw Biker" lifestyle, these riders simply love to ride and enjoy coming together for the people who have fought for our freedom. "We have very strict principles about things, one of them is our Country," said Hampton.
"The spirit of the motorcycle transferred over into the Native Communities," said Enos of the many Natives that can be seen riding motorcycles. "It has been our megaphone to get people to understand and listen to the message we are sending out there," he said.
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