My 72-year-old husband Harold, a Bronze Star Vietnam vet, was humiliated when an officer forced him to lie face-down on hot asphalt for 23 minutes over “loud pipes.” Harold’s bike isn’t just a machine—it’s his lifeline, connecting decades of rides, losses, and triumphs.
Seeing him withdraw, I rallied fellow veterans’ families, brought legal support, and spoke at city council about harassment and the healing power of riding. The ordinance was dropped, apologies were made, and Harold is back on the road—leading memorial rides, mentoring veterans, and proving that no one can tell him he doesn’t belong.
