"Roll On" - A Tribute Ride Honoring Sgt. Harry Watson

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"Roll On" is the motto of the US Army's 28th Infantry Division.

My uncle, Sgt. Harry Watson, was attached to the 28th in WWII He paraded with them through the liberated streets of Paris on August 29, 1944. He fought fought valiantly with them in the Battle of Hurtgen forest and the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45. He died of gunshot wounds to both kidneys in a German field hospital 75 years ago today, February 1st. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was 24 years old when he died. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington D.C.





He was born on September 4, 1920. He would have been 100 years old this year.

To commemorate his birthday, I am planning on riding from Chicago to Washington to place a flag or flowers on his grave. Straight through, it's about 725 miles, but I will extend the route to make it over 1000 in order to qualify for a SS1000 certificate. The route details are to be determined, but I will post that and other updates on my plans in this thread. I intend to use the ride as a fundraiser for a veteran-related charity, most likely one that supports Gold Star families. I will post details of that here as well.

Thanks in advance for following my adventures.
Harry's birthday is just a couple of days before the CB1100 Rally which is in Pennsylvania. Coincidentally, the 28th Infantry Division is based in Pennsylvania. They are called "The Keystone Division" (Pennsylvania is "The Keystone State").



I look forward to meeting with Forum members at the Rally after this ride.