9-10-11

Dear Melody Riders,

               This note is so late in coming, but I hope you’ll forgive the delay when I tell you there hasn’t been a day since July 23rd that I haven’t, at least momentarily, thought of your club and the impression it made along high-way 395 that afternoon honoring Sgt. Wyatt Goldsmith.

               As we pass through this life, everyone comes to a few times that are indelibly etched into memory. July 23rd was such a day for our family. From the airport in Deer Park, to the funeral chapel in Colville, Stevens and Spokane counties did themselves proud by showing such compassion, support and caring for Wyatt and his family.

               But that 1/4 mile on the Chewelah flat with horse and rider lined shoulder to shoulder (with riders saluting) was the sweetest, tenderest tribute you could have made. There was not a person in the funeral procession untouched by it!

              Thank you, Melody Riders, for such a level of respect for such a brave man. It was a lovely gesture we won’t forget. I only wish every American military person could have seen it!

              Sincerely,

              Lori Challinor