Edition 2-17-04

Ride from Lakeland Harley Davidson 2-14-04 to support the Carlie Brucia Rescue Fund.
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It has taken me awhile to be able to put this small tribute on my site. Like many others across the country this sad event has affected my life in ways that are still not fully understood. This was not my child, in fact until recently I must admit that I had never even heard her name. If it wasn't for this senseless tragedy probably never would have known her name even though Sarasota is not a large city by many standards but my life and those of the community will never be the same.
I had the pleasure and honor of participating in this run.  A run held to assist the family of Carlie Brucia. A run put together on short notice and with a minimum of publicity that shows the concern of the biking community for a candle that burnt out way before her time.
Over 500 registered for a ride in a city over 100 miles away from Sarasota.
A city that until the recent tragic events had no knowledge of this beautiful young child but whose lives will be forever touched by her story.
The ride was called Harleys for Carlie but it didn't matter
what you ride. The ride had all brands represented.
It isn't because of what we ride.
It is because of what we are, bikers. 
It has nothing to do with name recognition.
It has everything to with heart and soul.
All of our lives have been touched by the tragic murder of this innocent young child.  As tragic as this murder was, the real tragedy will be if we don't take heed to the dangers that our society presents. If you have children please explain the dangers that they must face everyday. Educate, that this could happen to anyone at any time by the hand of the evil ones in our society. Reassure them that fortunately this was a very unusual situation. Prepare them for the worst yet not throttle their curiosity, ambition and love for life.
Is that a difficult thing to do. Your damn right it is! Is it what is right to do?  Even more so. This type of tragedy needs to stop. We owe this to children.
Are you prepared to do your part?