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Veteran's Day 2008
It is Veteran's Day today, and the irony is not beyond me that when I'm on the road for a bike race or a business trip I often turn into a semi-dysfunctional mess because of how I miss my wife, my kids, and my daily routine so. Sometimes I look at the veterans I know -- two of whom I work alongside here at Competitive Cyclist on a daily basis -- and in light of my fragility I'm awed by the sacrifices I know they once made. It's not my place to utter a word about the peril of their Army work. As Walt Whitman once wrote, "The real war will never get in the books" -- and books and movies are all I know of it. Rather, I'm astonished by the voluntary willingness they showed to spend months-upon-years away from close comfort, love, and routine. It's something I never could've done.
So, today, in my best bike-racing-dude way I'd like to send out a big chapeau to the veterans here at Competitive Cyclist; to the veterans of the larger bike community; and to veterans across the world. Chapeau for your selflessness. Chapeau for the portion of your sacrifice I can comprehend. And chapeau for your determination to re-integrate productively, peacefully, and happily into civilian society.
If you've taken advantage of our demo program, chances are good you've been in contact with Brian Danaher. He's from the 3rd Ranger Battalion (that's him with the blue eyes to the left), and he's a rock here on the Competitive Cyclist staff. And if you've bought a bike or a set of wheels from us, you've possibly had Jeremy Chandler dial it in before we shipped it out to you. He's from the 1st Cav (that's him on the right on top of the blown-up Iraqi tank), which means he's just as handy in fine-tuning an Abrams tank as he is a Santa Cruz Nomad. I speak for all of us here at Competitive Cyclist in thanking them for their service, and we extend the same thanks to the countless many who do (or did) serve our country.
November 13, 2008
I'd like to add my thanks to all veterans as well as current military personnel. Irrespective of your thoughts of the US actions in Iraw and Afghanistan, men and women are accepting low salaries, putting their lives on the line and leaving their families for long periods of time to serve their country. A heartfelt thank you to all of them. Godspeed.
- Mark, Atlanta
November 12, 2008
No one could be prouder of Brian than we are! We know of the sacrifices he made to put himself in harm's way for us ... and we love him & his sweet family and always
keep them - and those still fighting - in our prayers.
Thanks for your honoring him!
- Mimi & Papa Key, Goliad, Texas
November 11, 2008
respect must not be given t only the soldiers of the allies, NAZI nations may have been the enemy, but a 19 yr old german fighting in WW2 against a 20 yr old US soldier is not a situation of good vs. bad. each kid has parents they miss, each had friends, each liked rock and roll. neither is a bad person. the wars are fought by the soldeirs who are sent by governments. the soldiers arent the enemies, its the governers, lest we forget each and every brave soldier who died for whoevers nation. lets hope we learn from the mistakes the ignorant governments made.
- a canadian in , canada
November 11, 2008
Thanks for the shout-out to military veterens. Many people don't realize how much cycling many military members do. In the Navy we are even able to conduct our semi-annual fitness test on a stationary bike. I'm proud to say that the miles I put in on the bike allow me to smile as I pass all 18 year olds when we go for a run.
Thanks again.
- Ryan, Carlisle, PA
November 11, 2008
It's the Ranger here, just wanted to post a thanks to Brendan and all the staff here at CC. They are an exceptional group of people with whom have my utmost respect. To those who have served, are serving, or to the families and loved ones of the many that made the ultimate sacrifice, we thank you!
RLTW!
- Brian Danaher, The Rock
