We’re still a bit short…
A while back I wrote a short post about my cousin Caleb, a young man of rather remarkable talents who passed away in his early twenties following a motorcycle accident. Pixie and I have been trying to raise funds to have his name engraved on a “Bikers’ Memorial Wall” in Ohio.
The people who run the wall charge $150 per name, which sounds a little steep until you understand that it’s really a rather large memorial, they need to pay for upkeep on the site, and they fund several scholarships with the leftover money. It’s a good thing. We’re hoping to have the funds raised by February 22.
We’ve had several generous donors, but we’re still a bit short of our goal. If anyone wants to donate five or ten bucks, you can do so HERE. You can learn more about Caleb here, and you can get more information on the memorial wall here.
So Chris … how short ARE we?
We just tipped the halfway point!
Yo Chris,
Artie Lange here. Hope all is well in Iowa. I was thinking about you the other day, as we lined the street in honor of a fallen soldier from our town. There was a large contigent of Vets forming an honor guard, most on their Harleys. Very nice for the family.
Anyway, I made a humble contribution to the Caleb memorial. I don’t want any credit…just glad to do it. I only mention it because you don’t know my real name and will probably be stumped as to who the heck ******* ********* is.
Artie! Haven’t heard from you in a long time!
Embarrassingly enough, I thought your name really was “Artie Lange.” I was also surprised to see that you live in the United States — I’d always assumed you’d long ago bought yourself an island in the South Pacific and were spending your days laying on the beach, having girls in hula skirts dribble exotic drinks into your mouth…
Thank you VERY much for the contribution! It’s very much appreciated! You’re a good man, Artie Lange!
I tell you what, I’ll be very happy when they day comes that we don’t have to do honor guard ceremonies for 21-year-old kids any more. It’s something I’m compelled to do, and it’s an honor to hold a flag for a fallen soldier and I’m proud to do so, but I’d be thrilled beyond belief if there was never a need for me to do it again.
You are so right about the young men and women serving right now. If I mention to people that I served in the Navy I sometimes get a “thank you.” Truth be told, all I did was paint the side of a ship, splice rope, and paint some more.
Of the vets I’ve spoken to, thus far, I can see how deeply affected they are and how much they sacrificed. Even if they come home in one piece, it quickly becomes clear that they are not whole, they, too, left a part of themselves on on the battlefield.
Here’s to them (and Steakbellie)…warriors all!
My gosh… that dialog there, at the bottom ‘tween you (Chris) and AL… brought tears to my eyes.
You are gooood people.
Happy Birthday Caleb.
I love you.