American Veterans Traveling Tribute

DAYTONA BEACH FLORIDA A NEW YEAR STARTS

2010-03-06T11:40:00.002-06:00

JOIN US FOR THE WALK OF HEROES CELEBRATION AT THE PLAZA ON ATLANTIC AVE.
LEE ERMEY AND OTHERS WILL BE FEATURED SPEAKERS ON SATURDAY AT 4 PM.
WE WILL BE SET UP 4-7 MARCH 2010
PICS AND VIDEO TO FOLLOW.

Friday, Colusa, Ca

2009-11-14T09:10:00.002-06:00

We had a nice candlelight memorial late Friday afternoon that was well attended with people here to pay their respects to all who paid the ultimate price. The ceremony was let by Avtt's Steve Doty and a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem by the girls from the USO show that was held here in Colusa.

Colusa, Ca. Veterans Day week 2009

2009-11-13T07:29:00.002-06:00

A great turnout for the opening ceremony on Thursday highlighted by flyover from Huey. All of this was followed by two performances from a group that recreates the old USO shows with Bob Hope and some updated material as well. Well attended and everyone enjoyed.

Colusa, Ca. Nove 10-15, 2009

2009-11-12T08:52:00.006-06:00

We had a great escort from Sacramento, Ca. to Colusa, Ca for setup before Veterans Day this week. Probably 200 bikes and old cars to accompony us on the last 60 miles. The town was lined along the road as we came through Williams and Colusa.

University of Colorado, Denver Campus Nov 5-6,2009

2009-11-06T22:14:00.003-06:00

We setup in the center of campus and while only here for two days, the reception from the students and many from the area made for a great time. The two ceremonies were well attended and the weather was record highs after the snow storm that hit Denver last week.

Sunday evening, Operation Gratitude

2009-10-18T23:52:00.004-05:00

With a wonderful crowd today and a very nice ceremony finished off with the Ride of Honor it made for a fitting day to enjoy and then go over to the armory to see all of the set up work taking place for the first packing weekend. The expectation is probably four or five hundred people helping out to package 18,000 packages for our troops. Plans are for 60,000 packages to be mailed out this holiday season.

Donations, scarves, and personal letters are especially needed. Check out this wonderful organization and become a part of these dedicated people giving for others.

www.opgratitude.com

Operation Gratitude, Van Nuys, Ca

2009-10-18T09:21:00.005-05:00

Check out the pics from yesterday and today of Darren's labor of love for the last four years. His 7 foot long model of a huey is down to the smallest detail. Amazing. Lots of letter writing went on yesterday with many of the people who came through.

Support Operation Gratitude

2009-10-17T08:24:00.003-05:00

What a great event with Operation Gratitude here in Van Nuys. Make sure you visit their website and show your support. All the dedicated volunteers and supporters are doing something everyday to help our troops. The best example of the American Spirit that I have seen
Don
http://www.opgratitude.com

Operation Gratitude, Van Nuys, Ca

2009-10-16T22:42:00.003-05:00

Lots of school kids today came to visit and learn a bit about some of our history. Some of the school kids stayed and helped out for a couple of hours over at the armory with Operation Gratitude. The girl scouts and Brownies helped out throughout the afternoon.

Operation Gratitude, Van Nuys, Ca. Oct 14-18, 2009

2009-10-15T23:50:00.004-05:00

Setup this morning went well as the fog lifted and beautiful weather set in for the weekend. We had lots of help everything was in place for the opening ceremony.

If you want to do something to help, please check out www.opgratitude.com

Operation Gratitude, Van Nuys, Ca

2009-10-15T05:28:00.005-05:00

At the tail end of the biggest rain in a long while in California we had a ceremony and escort to the site location for setup Thursday morning which is promised to be under sunshine and warm weather. Stan Chambers, renowned newscaster was the Grand Marshall for the event.
Afterward many who took part and anyone else who chose to come went for fund raising dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant.

If you are not familiar with Operation Gratitude please check out their amazing operation which is totally volunteer and they are getting their holiday drive in place to mail 60,000 packages by name to our troops in harm's way. This holiday season the number of care packages will go over the 500,000 dollar mark. Each package costs 11.00 to mail to our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan so donations are always welcome and on their website are other ways to help with this worthwhile project.

OpGratitude.com

DESLOGE, MISSOURI

2009-10-06T13:57:00.008-05:00

DUMAS, TEXAS

2009-10-06T13:51:00.003-05:00

NEW YORK MILLS, MINNESOTA

2009-10-06T13:34:00.004-05:00

Globe, Az September 16-20, 2009

2009-09-19T01:19:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful escort with lots of bikes and old cars out to the fairgrounds for setup. Good start with ceremonies and looking forward to a fun weekend with lots of folks coming to pay their respects and enjoy the community activities.

Centralia, Il Sept 10-12,2009 Indoor Display

2009-09-11T15:22:00.002-05:00

In remembrance of 9-11 we are at Kaskaskia College to be a part of the ceremony honoring veterans and all those who risk their lives for others.

Friday, Titusville, Pa

2009-09-05T07:01:00.002-05:00

Today was school day and Police and Firefighters day. All the school kids came to learn and pay their respects along with the officers and fireman laying a wreath and paying tribute to fallen members.

Titusville, Pa. Sept 2-7, 2009

2009-09-03T21:09:00.005-05:00

Beautiful weather and over 900 motorcycles in the escort into Titusville started off the week here. People were out all along the route to pay their respects to the folks bringing our Cost of Freedom displays to town.
Thursday ceremonies were well attended and all are looking forward to all of the students from the schools attending tomorrow.

goodland, In

2009-09-01T21:01:00.002-05:00

What a weekend we had in Goodland this past weekend. Between the crowds and the wonderful folks who hosted us it just could not have been better. To see what a town of 900 population can do is a real treat.
The fitting end to the weekend was the gift given to Deb for all of her work here. A picture of her gift is here for all to enjoy.

Friday in Goodland, In.

2009-08-28T21:21:00.004-05:00

The rain for most of the day did not discourage the school kids or others from coming out to the displays and memorial. Over one thousand students from around the county came to pay tribute and experience touching the wall and the dog tags will all the names of our fallen soldiers from the Global war on Terror. The newest huey from 369 finally was able to fly in and land after the rain quit. Tomorrow holds even more for everyone.

Goodland, In.

2009-08-28T07:01:00.003-05:00

We setup early thursday morning with lots of help. The young men and women from the high school FFA and lots of volunteers kept all of us moving. The opening ceremony was well attended and everyone is looking forward to a wonderful weekend.

Goodland, In. August 26-31, 2009

2009-08-26T21:40:00.004-05:00

We arrived to a great escort from Lake Village to Goodland,In. this morning and prepare for setup of the wall and displays first thing tomorrow morning. The school kids were out as the motorcycles and wall trailer passed through a few of the towns in the county on the way to the park in Goodland.

Winter Park, Co. Veteran's Motorcycle Rally August, 2009

2009-08-23T04:58:00.005-05:00

In spite of a bit of rain early in the week, the annual get-together was a success. The ride into town stretched for miles down the highway leading into Winter Park and then the parade and emotional ceremony honoring our veterans and remembering our POW's still unaccounted for.
The helicopters landing at the wall site and staying for visitors to explore. The two Ride of Honor's that took place over the weekend and much more made for a great weekend.

Tule Lake, Ca. July 5, 1009

2009-07-06T05:22:00.003-05:00

What a fun weekend was had. The Shasta Rally was enjoyed by all that attended this weekend. The ceremony on Sunday was moving with the honored speakers. From former pow to a recently wounded soldier from Afghanistan. Carolyn and Kim were given the most beautiful glass roses for their dedication and founding of the organization Operation Gratitude. The ceremony was followed by a Ride of Honor and a parade down Main st.

Shasta Rally: Tule Lake Ca. 4th of July Weekend

2009-07-03T09:21:00.003-05:00

We had a great escort from Klamath Falls, Or. to Tule Lake Thursday afternoon and lots of help for setup to get ready for a great weekend. A weekend of honoring all who served, those who paid the ultimate price along with a celebration of freedom on this 4th of July weekend.

Sunday in East Aurora, Ny.

2009-07-02T01:50:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful weekend we had here in spite of the rain. It did not slow folks down from coming to visit the memorial and the Knox mansion and state park. A few more pictures have been added from this weekend.
It was an honor to get to meet some the men from the Vietnamese veterans community who came to the wall to honor our soldiers and theirs. These men who gave so much to protect their country for freedom and those of us present were enjoyed the time together. We presented them the Republic of Vietnam flag that flew over our wall. They left a wreath in honor of all of their soldiers and families affected by the war.

Saturday East Aurora, Ny

2009-06-27T20:18:00.003-05:00

What a day we had, wonderful weather and a very large turnout. Many brought their chairs to sit and listen to the ceremony and also the symphony that played for over an hour at the site. Well attended and enjoyeable.

East Aurora, Ny. Thursday, June 25, 2009

2009-06-26T07:26:00.004-05:00

Setup went well Thursday morning and the opening ceremony got in just before the thunderstorms arrived. In between the storms folks came out to visit the display.

East Aurora, N.Y. June 24-29, 2009

2009-06-24T18:36:00.007-05:00

Sunshine and a well organized escort of probably 700 motorcycles or more made for a great escort to the Knox state park where we will be setting up the memorial in the morning. Looking forward to a great weekend. Was so nice to see all the school kids out to wave and greet us.

Norwich VFW

2009-06-18T20:58:00.001-05:00

I forgot to mention the beautiful mural that was unveiled at the VFW after the escort ended and we went to the VFW Post for dinner. Truly a piece of art.

Norwich, Ct. June 17-21, 2009

2009-06-18T20:39:00.005-05:00

We had a great escort, very nice ceremonies and a ton of bikes in the escort into the downtown area of Norwich from where we started in Montville. The road was lined with people from start to finish with patriots with their flags, children and all young and old. The weather was great on Wednesday but light rain during Thursday morning setup and then heavier rain continuing the rest of the day.
We had over six hundred children arrive on buses to come visit even with the rain. Did not stop them. We look forward to a good weekend.

Weekend in Gorham, NH. June 13-14, 2009

2009-06-15T03:17:00.004-05:00

What a great weekend in spite of the weather. It rained most of the day again on Sunday but didn't stop folks from coming and visiting the memorial and exhibits. The ceremonies went off with out a hitch rain or shine throughout the time we were here. The commons was a beautiful area for the location and we sure thank everyone for their hard work.

Gorham, NH. June 10-14, 2009

2009-06-10T19:43:00.003-05:00

The escort started under cloudy skies this morning but no rain throughout the day. School kids turned out to wave as we passed through a number of towns and into Gorham. Was a delight to see the patriotic turnout today. Setup will be in the morning and looking forward to a good weekend.

Newburgh, NY. Sat-Sun June 6-7, 2009

2009-06-10T19:35:00.004-05:00

After a full day of rain on Friday we had good weather and very good turnout for the weekend. The ceremonies were right on target and the sunday ride to the wall had hundreds of bikes. Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 did an outstanding job of organizing the entire weekend.

Newburgh, N.Y. June 3-7, 2009

2009-06-05T14:18:00.003-05:00

We had a great escort on Wednesday led by Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 to the site of our set up this week. Raining all day today but a steady flow of dedicated folks coming to pay their respects. Looking forward to a great weekend as the weather will be great and lots of good things going on.

Hawley, Pa. May 30, 2009

2009-06-05T14:14:00.002-05:00

Late getting these up but here are a few pictures taken on Sunday.

A few More Pictures from today in Hawley, Pa.

2009-05-28T17:10:00.003-05:00

Hawley, Pa. May27-May 31, 2009

2009-05-28T14:53:00.004-05:00

We had an escort last evening and we had about 200 bikes in the escort and hundreds of people lining the streets from Waymart, Pa. on to Hawley. The opening ceremony was attended this afternoon by around 600 people.

Memorial Weekend: Lufkin, Tx May 22-25, 2009

2009-05-25T21:47:00.006-05:00

What a weekend we had here in Lufkin, Tx. Great crowds to celebrate Memorial Day with us and appropriate ceremonies were the order of the day to honor and remember our veterans. The three gentlemen who laid the Pow wreath were all surviving former Pow's. We cannot thank them enough for what they gave to our country.

Lufkin, Tx Saturday May 23, 2009

2009-05-23T23:03:00.003-05:00

We had a nice group of folks show up today to show their respects and many of them said they will be back for tomorrow's events and then again for memorial day. I have to include a new original. It is the first one we have ever had on site.

Luftkin, Tx. May21-25, 2009 Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-22T10:50:00.003-05:00

We had a large escort from Nacogdoches, Tx. to Luftkin Wednesday afternoon and a nice reception at the VFW Hall. Lots of events are planned for this weekend.

DALLAS TEXAS

2009-05-22T07:01:00.002-05:00

GREAT ESCORT LOTS OF RIDERS AND FANTASTIC POLICE HELP. FROM DENTON TEXAS TO DALLAS CITY HALL. THEY CLOSED NORTH I-35 AND BROUGHT US TO TOWN IN STYLE. THANKS EVERYONE.

SHERIDAN WYOMING OPENING DAY

2009-05-15T15:46:00.003-05:00

A BEAUTIFUL SET UP AT THE COLLEGE AND LOTS OF GREAT PATRIOTIC FOLKS HAVE VISITED US AND HELPED OUT.

SHERIDAN WYOMING

2009-05-15T15:36:00.003-05:00

WHAT A GREAT ESCORT AND ARRIVAL INTO SHERIDAN.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE KIDS IN KAYCEE FOR THEIR PROGRAM AND THEIR
PATRIOTISM. SPECIAL THANKS TO MISTY, LISA, CAROL AND STARR FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER. THEY ARE AWESOME

Buckeye, Az Sunday April 5, 2009

2009-04-08T15:36:00.002-05:00

Another large crowd both to pay their respects and to attend the ceremonies. A well attended church service, closing ceremonies, and the ride of honor brought out a full day of activities.

Buckeye, Az Sat Evening

2009-04-04T22:39:00.003-05:00

Boy after a Friday of very high winds, today was a delight. We had tents blown down, lots of sandbags and rocks to hold things down but today was a day of a full house for the opening ceremony and visiting the exhibits.
A couple of pictures are included today of the medal of honor tent. It contains the remains of a Civil War buffalo soldier, Cpl Isaiah Mays,who had been buried in a potters unmarked grave. His remains very shortly will be on their way to Arlington National cemetery for proper burial. The full story can be found at the following website. www.oldguardriders.com
Their is also a picture of a beautiful Gold Star flag that was given to us to display at each site along the way. We appreciate the generosity and honor given to us on a regular basis.

Buckeye, Az. April 1-5, 2009

2009-04-02T22:57:00.003-05:00

We tied up with the escort in the morning for a breakfast feed and then a ride into Buckeye to the site. Had a nice ceremony at the site and setup this morning with lots of help. Looks like good weather ahead other than a bit of wind but then it is spring.

Lake Havasu Weekend

2009-03-31T06:21:00.006-05:00

Wonderful weather and large crowds for both visiting and for all of the ceremonies. I have included a few more pictures along with a short video of a ride that I obtained on a WWII B-17. A real highlight and honor.

Lake Havasu City, Saturday March 28th

2009-03-28T22:48:00.004-05:00

Fantastic crowds all day today. Weather outstanding, the wind finally quit for a day or so and a full day of ceremonies with much more planned for tomorrow. A few pictures of some of the volunteers and others in attendance.

Lake Havasu,Az March 25-29, 2009

2009-03-26T06:46:00.003-05:00

We had a great escort through the downtown area with lots of folks lining the street. This was followed by a short program at the American Legion Hall. By the turnout of bikes for the parade and the number of interested people, should be another wonderful event.

2009-03-14T23:06:00.005-05:00

What a crowd coming to pay their respects this week. The ceremonies have been very well attended. We are looking forward to a large turnout tomorrow as well as we have a ride of honor planned and it looks like alot of bikes will attend the ceremony. We have just had tons of help from so many youth groups. The Air Force and Navy JROTC, the Explorers and lots of volunteers.

Escort into Apache Junction, Az March 11, 2009

2009-03-12T22:37:00.003-05:00

Great escort with a couple of hundred bikes and attack helicopter hovering over the wall the whole way from start of escort to the site. The weather was perfect and we setup this morning with a huge number of volunteers on hand to make the job easy. Pictures from setup completion will be up tomorrow but have attached a few from the ride into Apache Junction.

MORE DAYTONA SPEEDWAY PICS

2009-03-05T05:50:00.003-06:00

GREAT CROWDS AND LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL BIKES

HAVING A SUPER TIME. COME AND JOIN US

GREAT SET UP AT THE SPEEDWAY - VIDEO

2009-03-04T05:48:00.003-06:00

RIGHT ON THE INFIELD NEXT TO TURN 4 AND THE DOUBLE TUNNEL 4
COME AND VISIT US. CLICK ON THE VIDEO LINK ABOVE.

SATURDAY AT DAYTONA OPENING CEREMONY

2009-03-01T09:31:00.003-06:00

Escort and Arrival Daytona Intl Speedway

2009-02-26T16:32:00.003-06:00

Great escort from Jacksonville Honda. Several hundred motorcycles and fantastic Law Enforcement Assistance. Could not have gone smoother or better. Or hats off to all who participated and helped us with this huge success. Enjoy a few pics.

HEADING TO DAYTONA

2009-02-25T05:49:00.004-06:00

ENROUTE TO DAYTONA INTERANATIONL SPEEDWAY. ESCORT IS ON THURSDAY THE 26TH OF FEB INTO DIS. SET UP ON 27TH AND WILL REMAIN ON INFIELD OF SPEEDWAY UNTIL THE MORNING OF THE 9TH. COME AND VISIT US.

MORE TO COME.

AVTT National Sponsor

2009-01-19T12:31:00.003-06:00

AVTT is pleased to announce that Sands Resorts of Myrtle Beach South Carolina has joined in our continuing mission. Because of their generous sponsorship we will be able to visit more places and keep our prices down. It will also allow us to continue our educational program by visiting schools throughout the year. As part of our alliance Sands Resorts has developed a special package for all those who have
DEFENDED AND PROTECTED OUR FREEDOMS.

This package is for:

All military, veterans, police, fire fighters and their family members. Just go to http://www.sandsresorts.com/heroes or click the link above. Use the promo code HEROES and you will receive the very best discount pricing and a Amenities Package. You can also call
800 978 9598 and make your reservations. Don't forget to use HEROES to get a great deal.
Here is the brochure that discusses it.

Sunday in Key West, Fl

2008-12-15T05:42:00.002-06:00

Nice warm day to end our travel season with the memorial and all of the displays. We had a good day with a nice steady turnout of people to pay their respects and to visit. We thank everyone who had a part in this great event here in Key West.

Key West, Fl Dec 10-15, 2008

2008-12-13T06:09:00.005-06:00

We had a police escort all the way down the keys before meeting up with the escort through the city to the location at the high school. We attended a banquet Wed. evening that was well attended by many of the supporters. Setup went well and other than wind and heavy rain that afternoon it has been great weather. A little less wind would be nice but none of it stopped the great turnout for the ceremony on Friday. Looking forward to a wonderful weekend.

Sunday at Silver Springs, Fl.

2008-12-07T20:01:00.006-06:00

We had a nice turnout of folks to visit the memorial and all of the exhibits. The setting in the Silver Springs Nature Park was just beautiful. Have never seen water so clear as in the start of the river there. Have included a couple of pictures that were taken along the river and just happened to catch a bird catching a fish while taking picture of the turtles sunning along the bank.

Silver Springs, Fla Dec 4-7, 2008

2008-12-05T19:39:00.004-06:00

We setup Thursday for the weekend opening of Silver Springs and all of its natural wonders. The location of the wall is very conducive to the honor, respect, and remembrance that this exhibit displays for all who see it. We thank the scouts and their leaders for all of the help they gave us today along with presenting the colors this morning.

Sunday Evening, Holly Springs, Ms

2008-11-30T19:58:00.003-06:00

Cold and rainy for the day, possible snow flurries tonight. We will be taking down tomorrow after a very good week here in Holly Springs. Everyone has been great and the rain held off until after the closing ceremony at noon today. We thank everyone involved for all of their hard work and effort in making this week a success.

Holly Springs Friday on the Square

2008-11-28T20:00:00.003-06:00

Another rewarding day with some great folks visiting the displays. The ceremony today focused on youth day and some great things done by the youth of this area. We are all looking forward to the weekend and all that it brings.

Holly Springs, Ms. Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-27T20:08:00.004-06:00

We had a very nice church service and candlelight vigil at the wall this evening. The pictures of the ladies in the white sweaters are Gold Star mothers that attended our ceremony yesterday where they placed a beautiful wreath. We thank them for their support and our prayers go out to them.

Holly Springs, Ms. Nov25-30,2008

2008-11-25T19:53:00.006-06:00

We had a great escort from Byhalia, Ms to Holly Springs, Ms today, it was lead by the sheriff's helicopter and a nice number of bikes with the police escort. We set up later this afternoon on the square around the court house. The welcoming ceremony was well attended with the opening ceremony planned for tomorrow. The Junior ROTC looked extremely sharp and later helped put up the displays along with help from some of the local boy scouts.

Many, La

2008-11-25T05:31:00.003-06:00

Just a few last pictures taken from Many over the weekend. We had a great Ride of Honor Sunday afternoon with lots of bikes. The help from the volunteers and community was over and above all that needed to be done to make this event a success. Thank you to all of you as we move on and share this tribute with others in our next location.

Many, La Saturday 11-22-08

2008-11-23T05:46:00.007-06:00

The weather turned out to be nice and we had a wonderful day. Large crowd all day long and the balloons that were released just slowly rose into the sky. The color guard from Ft. Hood's First Cavalry did an excellent job as usual.

Many, La Saturday Morning

2008-11-22T07:52:00.004-06:00

Was too tired after a great day to post any pictures last night so thought best get a few up this morning. Yesterday we had hundreds of students come and spend time with all of the exhibits. Many expressed their appreciation for it and found it both a moving and learning experience. The afternoon ceremony was well attended and the performance by one of the schools was very moving.

Many, La Nov 19-24, 2008

2008-11-19T19:25:00.003-06:00

We met the escort in Toledo Bend and paraded into Many at noon today. Had a great turnout of bikes and people along the route. A short ceremony followed at the VFW and then setup will be tomorrow morning at the fairgrounds. Have attached a few pictures taken today and more will follow this week.

Veterans Day, November 11, 2008 Pampa,Tx

2008-11-11T22:07:00.005-06:00

What a time everyone has had here in Pampa. Great crowds, excellent ceremonies, and an outstanding program put on by the school kids. This is an annual event for the city. We will be taking down tomorrow morning and off to the next site. Thank you to everyone who helped make this time a success.

Pampa, Tx: Saturday Nov 6, 2008

2008-11-08T19:00:00.008-06:00

What a day we had. One of the best Veteran's Day parade we have seen in a long time. Great crowd all day long. All of the ceremonies well attended and a Ride of Honor was held this afternoon for all of the bikes. A grateful city showed their respect today.

Pampa, Tx: Nov 7, 2008

2008-11-07T20:00:00.004-06:00

Other than the wind we had a great day. Good crowds all day along with some great singing before the ceremony by one of the elementary schools.

Pampa, Tx Nov 5-11, 2008

2008-11-06T19:40:00.004-06:00

Our arrival in Pampa was lead by a large contingent of motorcycles from Elk City, Ok. to Pampa on Wednesday afternoon. Setup took place this morning with a nice opening ceremony which honored both blue star and gold star mothers.

Zanesville, Ohio Sunday

2008-11-06T19:35:00.003-06:00

A few more pictures taken on Sunday in Zanesville.

Zanesville, Ohio Saturday, Nov 1, 2008

2008-11-01T18:13:00.004-05:00

There was a great and moving flag ceremony yesterday along the river and today we have had a nice crowd here all day to enjoy and honor the warriors here. There was a motorcycle run for toys for tots today in the city and they all rode through here with a ride of honor along the wall.

Zanesville, Ohio Oct 29-Nov 3, 2008

2008-10-30T20:22:00.005-05:00

We got setup yesterday during a cold and windy day but today is warming and expecting a warm sunny weekend. The opening ceremony was today and was attended by a good crowd as well as the three gold star mothers that were in attendance. They placed a wreath near the gold dog tags in remembrance of their sons.
We look forward to a good weekend with a lot of fun and the opportunity to meet another great group of folks.