NAVAJO HOPI HONOR RIDERS
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free" ~Ronald Reagan
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MISSION DETAILS:
Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders, Inc. will conduct its affairs to be dedicated to the honor and memory of all veterans, active military personnel, and their families. Providing escort services for home comings, celebrations, deployments, memorials and funerals. The vision is to provide assistance in various forms to deal with traumatic experiences, responsibilities on the home front, spirituality unique to the Native American communities to achieve a balance and enhance the quality of life for veterans, active military personnel, and their families. Conduct annual motorcycle runs which honor the memories and sacrifices of all fallen warriors both past and present throughout the Navajo and Hopi reservations and shall not exclude surrounding communities. Achieve economic self-sufficiency through such activities that continuously compliments and promotes the organization and its mission. Remembering always that freedom is not free.
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WHO RIDES WITH US:
We are not an exclusive club and welcome anyone who supports our warriors whether it be riding on a motorcycle or following in a vehicle. Men, women and even children are all included at the events.
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WEBSITE DESIGNER:
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Deshelle (Shelly) Begay. I am born to the Todich’iinii (Bitterwater clan) and born for Kinyaa’aanii (Towering House clan). My maternal grandfather is Honaghaaknii (One Walks Around clan) and paternal grandfather is To’aheedliinii (Water Flow Together clan). I am married to Larry Begay and we reside in Dilkon, Arizona in the southwest area of the Navajo Nation.
I was asked to start a website and eagerly took on the challenge. I am a rider and have taken a lot of inspiration from seeing other lady riders ~ you ROCK! Larry and I come from families that have both veterans and active duty personnel. This cause of support for our warriors is near and dear to our hearts. I know that the reasons which bring us together are different and I find it very insightful to hear others' stories of why they ride and participate.
The main goal of this site is to inform the riders of what upcoming events are and to showcase what we have done in the past. The website is just starting but I have big plans to make is something we can all be proud of and welcome your ideas and suggestions.
As riders, Larry and I know what sacrifices are made to make these events work. We are both privileged to be amongst such people who care and support our warriors, so THANK YOU...because as a group we are strong and send a loud & clear message.
~Shelly
Honor Rider
As the events happened on September 11, 2001, the United States Armed Forces were sent out to do a mission and as of yet has not been accomplished.
March 2003, the Navajo and Hopi nation received word that one of our own was “Killed In Action” in Iraq – US Army Specialist Lori Ann Piestewa.
May 2003, it was decided by me, Bobby Martin (Lori’s cousin), Lon & Loni Parker and several others that it might help to pay honor to the Piestewa family on behalf of their daughter, Lori, with a motorcycle run.
On the eve of the annual visit by the Run For the Wall group to the Navajo Nation, we began our run in the morning to Tuba City with only fifteen bikers. We slowly traveled across the Hopi Land and into the town of Tuba City to the Piestewa family home. There we were welcomed with open arms by the parents of Lori and we instantly bonded as a family. We enjoyed a Navajo taco dinner, talked and had a good visit. The following morning we met at the chapter house, enjoyed coffee and doughnuts, and were given a small send off ceremony by the local officials, veterans and the Piestewa family. It was at this time Mr. & Mrs. Piestewa indicated that this run should not be the first and last, she wanted it continued until the war was over and that there are a lot of relatives, family and friends who are out there defending our freedom.
As we slowly headed eastward into Hopi Land and on back to Window Rock, we met up with the Run For the Wall riders and proceeded to follow them to the Navajo Nation Veterans Park in Window Rock, Arizona. When riding into the park that first time, we did not anticipate it would expand as much as it has to today with more than 250 riders strong. It now includes Rolling Thunder, Operation: Carry The Flame, and Blue and Gold Star Mothers of America, who ride with us since that spring of 2002. As of 2005, we have also extended our run into Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual Rolling Thunder Parade.
We have been doing the Annual Navajo/Hopi Honor Run which honors all fallen warriors both past and present, supporting all active military personnel and their families, honoring all veterans and welcoming them home.
Today, we are doing welcome home escorts for those returning home from either the warzone or military stations. We include all who have served, due to the fact that some never received welcome home celebrations or ceremonies. We do have a lot of veterans who ride with us and appreciate the activities of the Honor Riders, saying that riding and welcoming home these soldiers home makes them feel appreciated as well.
We are a non-political group … politics and honor does not mix. We will not make allowances for it within our events. Honor is what we give and what we have time for. Anyone is welcome to join us as long as you honor all veterans, active military personnel and families of the fallen; i.e. POW, MIA, KIA.
I continue to express my sincere thank you to all riders, sponsors and supporters who feel that what we do is for a worthy cause and understand that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
Larry Noble, Founder/Annual Run Director
Navajo-Hopi Honor Run
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