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Ok folks, I haven't complained much on here....but I'm tired of seeing the flag lap at our track turn into a team show off lap. I am a veteran, my father is a veteran, all of my uncles are veterans as well as both of my grand fathers....not to mention my entire team.

Hearing the National Anthem and seeing our flag means something to me, it meant even more to me in Korea, German, Hungary and Bosnia as I am sure it means just as much to my team manager (Lee Gedding) who is currently in Afghanistan along with countless others who are serving our country now and those who gave their lives.

I spent 8 years in the Army, most of them overseas and over four of them living in a tent away from my family....So, I don't think it's too much to ask that you stop talking, get off your bike, take off your hat, stop your kids and take a minute to remember why you are able to ride a bike on Thursday night and the time that others have given to allow you that right.

PLEASE teach your kids that our freedom isn't free. It took blood, sweat and tears for our country to be the great place it is and I think people forget that.

g-dub...well said!!!!........

guys i too am on liberty racing along with the wallers, steve kerkman,lee geddings and about 65 other fellow veterans and former patriots, we have all been away from our families and loved ones in places im sure most of you have never dreamt about, fearing for your life day in and day out, just hoping you live through the next day, and i gotta be honest, im not your crazy vet that still dives into a bunker when a passenger jet flies overhead, but you know what, like g dub said, we gave our lives to defend that flag,, him for 8 years, me for 10, please give us, the flag and the national anthem the respect it and we deserve, please teach your kids that the flag lap shouldnt be a dirt jump contest, or a team brag lap, its to honor the fallen and the great country that gives you the chance to be out on your bike..

Team Liberty isnt just a name out of a hat, or something we thought looked good on a jersey, we stand for something, we stand for YOUR FREEDOM..STAND AND RESPECT OUR FLAG..

billy schuler

gwwaller wrote:Ok folks, I haven't complained much on here....but I'm tired of seeing the flag lap at our track turn into a team show off lap. I am a veteran, my father is a veteran, all of my uncles are veterans as well as both of my grand fathers....not to mention my entire team.

Hearing the National Anthem and seeing our flag means something to me, it meant even more to me in Korea, German, Hungary and Bosnia as I am sure it means just as much to my team manager (Lee Gedding) who is currently in Afghanistan along with countless others who are serving our country now and those who gave their lives.

I spent 8 years in the Army, most of them overseas and over four of them living in a tent away from my family....So, I don't think it's too much to ask that you stop talking, get off your bike, take off your hat, stop your kids and take a minute to remember why you are able to ride a bike on Thursday night and the time that others have given to allow you that right.

PLEASE teach your kids that our freedom isn't free. It took blood, sweat and tears for our country to be the great place it is and I think people forget that.

You just won "Post of the year".

Very, VERY well said.

b.

Well said Wayne! I agree and I've been wanting to address this for a long time but I've come to realize that it's not just at our track, it's everywhere. There's many times when I have to put a conversation on hold because the National Anthem begins. Sometimes the person I'm talking to doesn't uderstand why I stop in the middle of a sentence and put my hand/hat over my heart and close my eyes during the playing/singing. Why do I close my eyes? Mainly because I'm taking it all in. I guess a little is because I don't like seeing what's going on around me too. You know there's not much that can be done about it but I do believe there is one thing that should be addressed/corrected during the parade lap and that's to educate the young riders and let them know not to ever ride ahead of the flag. I see this so often and it's not right. Whoever is carrying the flag should always be out front. That's the way America is...WE LEAD THE WAY! The flag should be the first down the hill and first to cross the finish line. I would also like to see a flag flying high on that nice, tall flag pole at Rad on race nights. I'm working on that over here. I'm hoping to have a little something special for Rad Canyon when I return home.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is most of the time our FREEDOM is taken for granted and the youngsters don't know any better. Let's all make a better effort to teach them. I'm in the military because I want to be, not because I'm forced to be. I've been places and seen things (like many before me, with me and long after I retire) that makes me realize I am more than happy to serve so my family and friends can enjoy the freedom we have as americans.

I can't wait to return home and race with all of you again. Take care and God bless!

Lee Geddings

Just a thought,

I can't agree more with the thoughts expressed in this post about showing respect for our Country's flag and those that protect the rights of others whether it be military currently serving, prior service or the law enforcement officer that enforce the laws and protects the rights the constitution gives us.

In the replies to this post it is obvious that most of us know it's not a deliberate disrespect and there is nothing malicious meant by what happens. It appears that two things are taking place 1. Sometimes we get a little complacent and momentarily forget. 2. The kids and some young adults just need to be taught or reminded how to properly act and show respect during the national anthem.

I am not one who likes to just say anything without having at least an idea to offer that may help, so what if during one of the next couple races at Rad Canyon Team Liberty takes a moment to talk about why we respect our Country, Flag and those that make it possible so others can enjoy our way of life. Someone can talk about the proper way to act during the flag ceremony, for example the proper way for people to show respect. Last, lets have team liberty do the flag ceremony and show a proper way that it is to be done on the track. Lets turn this into something positive!!!

Just a thought….

Todd

That is some of the best posts I have honestly ever seen. Thank you so much for that. Trust me, you guys are not alone in thinking that way. It has always bothered me when during the flag lap, so many of the other riders just ride past the ones carying the flag as if it isn't even there. This is just my own opinion but I always thought that the flag should always cross the finish line first.

Jacob Perry

Wayne,lee & Todd WOW !!!!! You guys are totally right ! My grandfather and my father both served. And more respect does need to be given. Some times things are hectic and the proper respect is not given and I will admit that at times I have been guilty of not stopping and giving more respect then I should !!!! So I am going to work on this with first my self and second my kids and my team. SORRY AND THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO ! Look for improvements out of the Extreme Team !!


Wayne B.

There's no need to apologize Wayne. I know that riders, parents, teams and spectators don't do it on purpose. At least I don't think there is anybody out there that thinks "Screw this country and it's flag. I'm going to disrespect it." It's all about teaching the youngsters the right way when they are young and it will carry with them the rest of their lives.

I was thinking about it more and there is one other issue I think could be immediately addressed and that's the cadence and slamming of the gate during the playing/singing. I think the gate should be dropped before the National Anthem starts and all riders on the starting hill understand that they are up there to honor our country and fallen heroes, not for a dirt jumping contest or to parctice their first straight pull. They should be able to simply roll out the gate and stay behind the team that is carrying the flag. Of course this is just my .02

I will be more than happy to lead the parade lap when I return home. Does Liberty Racing have to beat Extreme Team or PBP first on the team sheets....cause hell may freeze over first.

Take care everybody and God bless!

LG