06/08/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPJHmGP14/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🎉🇺🇸 We Made It! 🇺🇸🎉
2026 Ride to Honor, Respect and Protect Reaches Washington, D.C.
Today, the 2026 Ride to Honor, Respect and Protect officially completed its 950-mile journey at the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM) National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
This ride was undertaken to honor those who served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day, and there could not have been a more meaningful place to conclude this journey.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated ladies of AGSM for the incredible work they do in supporting Gold Star families and preserving the memories of our fallen heroes.
A very special thank you goes to Rose Duval, National Service Officer, who was instrumental in helping make this finish possible. Rose graciously allowed the ride to conclude at the National Headquarters, answered countless questions, provided valuable information, and was an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the planning process. Her support and encouragement helped make this a truly memorable experience.
We would also like to thank AGSM member Sandy Fox, who warmly welcomed us upon our arrival. Sandy provided a wonderful tour of the National Headquarters, shared the history of the organization, and introduced us to many of the treasured photographs, artifacts, and mementos that tell the stories of America's fallen heroes and the families they left behind.
Sandy's kindness, knowledge, and hospitality helped us gain a deeper understanding of the mission of AGSM and the important work the organization continues to perform. She generously presented Michael and Tom with an AGSM commemorative coin, a gift that will be treasured for years to come.
We were especially honored that Sandy shared the story of her son, SFC Joshua Hall, whose name appears proudly on her shirt. Today we honor Joshua's service and sacrifice, along with every son and daughter represented by AGSM.
As we stood at the finish line, we were reminded that this ride was never about the miles. It was about remembering those who gave everything, honoring the families who continue to carry their legacy, and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
To Rose, Sandy, and all of the members of AGSM — thank you for welcoming us, educating us, inspiring us, and allowing us to conclude this journey at such a special place. Also special thanks to Michael's cousin Bob and his wife for the surprise visit at the finish line.
We are sharing a few photos from our visit today, but this experience was so meaningful that there is much more to tell. Over the next week or two, we look forward to sharing additional photos, stories, and reflections from our time at the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM) National Headquarters, as well as highlights from the many remarkable people and communities we encountered throughout this 950-mile journey. Thank you for following along, supporting us, and being part of this experience.
This ride was dedicated to honoring the fallen, supporting their families, and reminding others that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a tremendous cost. We are grateful for the opportunity to share that message from Bloomingdale, Georgia, all the way to Washington, D.C.
🇺🇸 Freedom is not free. We ride for those who cannot. 🇺🇸
