The Legendary Buffalo Chip “Chipping” in to Help Honor Veterans at Daytona Bike Week at the Plaza Resort and Spa
Sturgis, SD (February 22, 2010) – Veterans will be front and center at this year’s Daytona Beach Bike Week thanks to a collaboration between Daytona’s Plaza Resort & Spa and the Legendary Buffalo Chip. One of the largest Veterans Tributes in the United States, “A Walk with Heroes” will include prestigious speakers, top level entertainment and the largest balloon launch in Veteran memorial history.
A highlight of the highly anticipated Veterans Tribute will include a replica of the Vietnam Wall to be escorted to the Plaza Resort & Spa by the Rolling Thunder and a number of other Veteran-related motorcycle groups on Thursday, March 4. The memorial which contains all 58,195 names of those who were killed in combat during the Vietnam War will provide overcoming and raw emotion to all who experience it. In addition, the wall will be staffed with honor guard during all three days of display with a “Change of Guard” ceremony taking place every half hour around the clock.
Also on exhibit will be a number of memorials including the Walk of Heroes Collection; the “Cost of Freedom” tribute; WWII, WWI, and Korean War Tribute Collection; Gold Dog Tag Collection for casualties since Vietnam and the War on Terror; 9/11 Tribute; and Civil War Memorial.
The culmination of the “A Walk with Heroes” Veterans Tribute will include a ceremony and an evening of entertainment. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 6th to formally honor veterans of every branch. Civilian and Military guests will be encouraged to purchase balloons from their charity of choice and write a note to fallen heroes. At 6:45pm the balloons will be released. Following the balloon launch, a live concert will kick off a night of entertainment on the Plaza pool deck. Bands performing include the Glimmer Twins, the only Rolling Stones tribute band officially endorsed by the legendary group and Jimi Taylor, a Jimi Hendrix tribute band.
In addition, Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, former Marine and award winning actor will be the featured speaker at “A Walk with Heroes” on Saturday, March 6th. Ermey is best known for his role as the hard-nosed, abrasive Drill Sergeant Hartman in the critically acclaimed film, “Full Metal Jacket”. He also stars in his own shows on the Discovery and History channels, including “Mail Call” and “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey”. He is also well known for being an outspoken advocate for the United States Marine Corps, US Armed Forces and Veterans groups. Ermey will be joined by Sgt. Major Gene Overstreet, former Sgt. Major of the United States Marine Corps.
“Our goal is to raise awareness for Veterans groups, and also to raise money to keep them going,” says Gene P. Carroll, Post Commander and National Committee Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “By the time the 3 days are up, we hope to have raised more than $150,000 for Veteran’s charities and, hopefully, inspired visitors to give, year-round, to help support the men and women who have fought for this county.”
The public is invited to view the memorials and are welcome to join veterans for the ceremonies on Saturday, March 6th. There is no charge to view the memorials or participate in the ceremony. For more information on the “A Walk with Heroes” Veterans Tribute visit www.buffalochip.com
or www.plazaresortandspa.com
Wish I was there 60ish is far better than 30ish.
I too am a disabled vet, Please help the Patriot Guard (see web site) We honorably escort military funerals at family request, a bike show at the veteran hospitals, sponsor a bingo night, visit the vets in the hospitals one on one. They all need crafts to do while there, easy puzzles, easy models to build, chess, checkers etc. things that do not cause stress or aggravation. We feel forgotten in there. It’s far from the civilian hosp. atmosphere. Anything you have to share with us is great, we are just like you with a common bond and a love for Duty, Honor, and Country. Even if you didn’t serve you’re an American, we will not tolerate pity, we just need to know you’re out there. Call your local or state hospital and hold a bike show there make it a stop on a charity run and don’t forget The Patriot Guard, get involved with them please.