WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - The rumbling of motorcycle engines could be heard post-wide.
The rumble was more than 60 Soldiers of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), preparing to embark on the 25th Infantry Division (ID) sponsored Veterans' Day Ride from Wheeler Army Airfield (WAAF), Nov. 10.
From WAAF, riders joined more than 90 other riders from across the 25th ID on Schofield Barracks where they participated in a brief prayer and moment of silence to honor veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in wars, past and present. The group next traveled through Schofield Barracks and along city highways and streets en route to their final destination at Punchbowl National Cemetery in downtown Honolulu.
Sergeant First Class Scott Marshall, battalion operations noncommissioned officer-in charge, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th CAB, organized and coordinated the event for the 25th CAB. For him, the day's event was uniquely special.
"Punchbowl is a moving and stirring place for most Soldiers. Several in our group have family and friends buried there and were able to pay their respects," said Marshall. "But for all of us in the motorcycle community, it was a great way, and location, to interact with [the] Hawaii community in a positive way."
"[It was also a way to meet] during such a solemn event where we could absorb the atmosphere together and pay our respects together to all fallen veterans, past and present."