Brotherhood! It's not just a word. It is an age old term used by
those who were put together as strangers and weeks later that
stranger was often all that stood between them and death. They had
to trust each other so they could fight together without fear of the
other being there when shit got to it's worse, trusting without
question, doubt, or hesitation. Soldiers who trained side by side
to fight, endure, survive, and conquer together to achieve victory.
Their loyalty was earned by their actions, commitment,loyalty, and
honor to their Country, and fellow soldiers. They had to depend on
each other minute by minute, unselfishly assuring that not only did
the mission get accomplished, but every man walked away at the end.
If they saw the need, they would lay down their life so the other
would live. To each other there were no hero's, only Brothers. That
dedication was carried on and off the battlefield. It lasts' a
lifetime, not just a battle. And no, you didn't have to be on the
same battlefield, or even the same war, because it was a respect and
honor given to each his own by the others that knew the hell that was
there, the terror and mayhem each had experienced. And should they
fight together in the future they knew that the loyalty of
Brotherhood assured them of a personal unsaid trust so they could
fight together without the worry of who they could trust. That
Brotherhood is a bond that few will ever break, and none will ever
forget. You live to fight another day because you have Brothers to
fight with you, and they know you are there for them as well. Every
soldier and Veteran will tell you the importance of Brotherhood as
well as the honor it holds to be a part of it. They will also remind
you of how strong and enduring a Brotherhood is.
All that said, Brotherhood is also referred to when motorcycle riders
commit to being true “BIKERS” !
(The debate of that term will be reserved for a different blog!) It
should not be any surprise that they share the Brotherhood title.
Most early Motorcycle Clubs in the 40's, 50's, and 60's were soldiers
who didn't adjust well, had no family, and just sought recognition,
and rode bikes. Common past started the trust, and in time you
earned it or you were basically banished from the club. This
Brotherhood is as strong for many of the same reasons as the
Soldiers. Bikers who label themselves BIKER depend on that
Brotherhood as a means of survival. This brotherhood, like the
military, is a bond. You earn your way in and live the lifestyle.
Honor and loyalty to each other is expected and often demanded.
Break that code of Brotherhood and it will be banishment or more. The
commitment is still the same as are the conditions. If a fellow
biker is in need, you help without hesitation or question. And you
can expect the same.
Now many are confused or at the least curious as to why all the need
for the commitment, loyalty, honesty, etc. Well here is my opinion
from experience. Both soldier and biker are often ridiculed,
mis-judged, and treated like an outcast. The lives they live are by
their own choosing, and are significantly alike, and those who choose
to look down on them do not and probably will never understand what
it means to these Soldiers and Bikers to be a part of this thing
called a Brotherhood. It is their life, their pride, and their
family. They will honor each other with the loyalty and respect
deserved. And never take lightly the term, “I will lay down my
life for my Brother!” Because they truly mean it if they are truly
in the BROTHERHOOD!
Comments welcomed and urged! Please be respectful of others when
making remarks to their comments. It is an open forum so ask or
state what you wish! Thank you for reading and please share this
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