Pray for our military: active, veterans and deceased. I’m sure some of them even had trusty companions such as Bogart
God bless all those who have given their lives to protect our liberties and freedoms.

Some of the most powerful visits I have and will have it when I stop at VFW’s and American Legions along my travels. The veterans here are so happy to see me roll into town, every single one of these organizations that I called have said “yes please visit us.” It shows the huge interest in honoring veterans.

Florida has one of the largest population of veterans in the country. The pride runs very deep, as is obvious as I ride my patriotic bicycle throughout the southwest region of the state.
There are veteran cemeteries scattered about the state, one of them I visited today. I spent a few hours walking the grounds of this final resting place to honor those who gave their lives.

Thank you to everyone at the Douglas T. Jacobson veterans nursing home in Port Charlotte, Florida for the invitation to talk at their facility to the veterans. These 120 veterans were all ears and interested and very engaged when hearing of this ride to around the perimeter Florida to honor veterans. They even sang me “Happy Birthday” and it isn’t even my birthday. Much fun!
American Legion Post 103 in Punta Gorda, Florida was my morning stop and American Legion Post 113 in Rotonda West was my lunch time stop. Both of these visits were very well received by the veterans on hand during my visits.
I was able to squeeze in dinner with friends Denny and Cathy. We had a great time talking about veterans and their service to our country.
Thank you to all for this incredible day

Today I had the honor of visiting World War II veteran, Army Sergeant Raymond Klepp. What a proud man he is. He recounted to me some of the moments in his life and his military service. His pride brought him to tears on a couple of occasions. He presented me with a plaque from the 100th division, 397th infantry of which he was a part of in World War II. I will most certainly hang it on a very prominent place in my bus. I also visited three other veterans at this nursing facility, the surprise of seeing my Kindness Bicycle roll into their rooms and the looks on their faces, meant the world to me and to them.

Today I headed north to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. I took part in Veterans Day pre-parade activities. I also headed over to the Iwo Jima Memorial to pay my respects to the veterans from World War II. We should all try to remember, as often as we can, the bravery and sacrifice of so many of our veterans and current military.

Today I was invited to speak to 60 Marines at a luncheon in Naples.
It was a very proud moment for me and it kicked off the beginning of my ride around the perimeter of Florida. Twenty-six children rang bells and sang patriotic songs to the crowd, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Later in the day Mayor Sorey of Naples presented me with a proclamation for this ride to honor veterans.