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A Moving Tribute
In terms of history, a "Tribute" is often thought of as wealth or a
material sacrifice made unto others as a gesture of respect or loyalty
and commitment to a cause.
Today we hear a lot of tributes made to our troops who are fighting
yet another war in a foreign land. You may see such tributes as
magnetic ribbons on cars, videos on the popular Internet sites like
YouTube, homecoming events to honor those returning home or even
lengthy columns by bloggers damning the war while praising the heroic
men and women who are fighting it.
On occasion, there is a special effort made to do something that
hasn't been done before, a tribute unique among the rest. While we are
sure that the soldiers appreciate them all, we can also be sure that
any honor that may go beyond the ordinary and that shows an
extraordinary bit of work and thought will have a special appeal.
I don't know of a young (or even a more "senior") soldier or veteran
who doesn't love the look, sound and gut appeal of an American made
motorcycle. The chrome, that rumble of a big V-twin engine, the beauty
of a custom paint job by an artist all blends together to make a heart
beat a little faster than it would otherwise.
A motorcycle represents freedom of the American soul. It doesn't
really matter if you've never ridden one, you know that to be on a
motorcycle is to be free of any earthly restraints as you soar through
the wind.
Like soldiering, motorcycling is a little bit dangerous. Like
soldiering, firing up all that horsepower and moving it into the fast
lane isn't for the weak or the faint of heart, it's reserved for the
few.
When I heard that a very special bike had been built by a very special
master builder, I knew I had to see it for myself.
Bert Clifford, a resident of Panama City and owner of BC Customs is a
veteran himself. Bert served in the U.S.A.F. Security Police stationed
at King Abdul Aziz Air Base as well as service during Desert Shield /
Desert Storm.
When I went down to meet Bert and see the Fallen Soldiers bike, I soon
knew I was meeting a veteran who saw things like we all do but with a
slightly different edge.
Bert was quick to tell me, "I served my Country, and I am proud of the
soldiers. At times, it seems that some have all but forgotten there
are real people over there fighting every day. Sure there are bikes
out there built for one branch or another but I wanted to do something
to honor those, regardless of military branch, who have paid the
ultimate sacrifice and as a reminder that our military men and women
are still out there risking their lives. With the help of my family
and all of my savings I decided to build a bike in honor of the fallen
soldiers."
The names of the fallen who are on the motorcycle are listed without
their branch of service or rank. Bert made it clear that was a
conscious effort, meant to remind us of the individual sacrifice
rather than the institution they served. Names were chosen randomly,
as Bert says, "I wish I could have included all the names. The bike
represents all of them."
The bike is often called a "bobber" or bobtail. The rear fender is
shortened and there is no front fender. It might also be thought of as
"old school" or even as a chopper. The bike is already winning awards
at major shows on the east coast. No doubt, there are more trophies in
store.
No matter what you want to call it, as you look over the pictures
posted here you'll understand the depth of the emotion and the rawness
of the blood, sweat and tears Bert put into his work. There's no
question that every moment of his labor was driven by the sacrifice
that those who are listed on the bike made so that we in America are
freed to ride it.
You can read more and contact Bert by clicking here.
More pictures are here
