David Melchior kindly sent this video over of Dana showing some guests at gathering held Joe & Lil Larkin's house all the engravings on Metal of Honor.





At the Joe Larkin's in San Diego, Dana Harbaugh goes over features of his customized 2009 Harley Davidson that is dedicated to Pearl Harbor survivors. He is explaining to Medal of Honor recipients SP4 John Baca, USA and Colonel Bob Modrzejewski, USMC. Also pictured is retired Marine Captain Joe Larkin. Metal of Honor is a play on words by Dana. His website is: http://www.pearlsofhonor.com. Dana served in the US Navy.

I guess you could say Dana's friend John Finn is a "rock star." The US Navy certainly thinks so, especially all the ordnancemen. Here's a story from DVIDS about a flag that has been traveling the world over to be flown in honor of John's 100th birthday. Second story. Third story

"We all gathered together during flight operations today to honor a man that we respect very highly," said Clift. "Aviation ordnancemen look up to this man for his accomplishments and for his leadership within his rate and his community." The flag that was raised on Eisenhower yesterday has already been flown at sea aboard USS George Washington, USS John C. Stennis and USS Ronald Reagan. It will continue making its way from one destination to the next until it is finally presented to Finn on his 100th birthday, July 23.

A photo Dana took of John at one of his MANY 100th birthday parties.
This image and two others Dana took of John's Medal of Honor were enlarged to adorn the car John and his longtime caretaker Francis rode in during the Coronado 4th of July Parade.

I presume many have never seen a "Medal of Honor" flag carried in a parade... but since John W. Finn was the guest of honor at this year's 4th of July Parade in Coronado, California... his banner was seen by thousands that day. And of course, the Medal of Honor Recipient John Finn, seated in the back of this beautiful GTO, had Navy Aviation Ordnanceman marching alongside his vehicle.

Nothing could have topped off this wonderful 4th of July day more than the incredible honor I received when two other Medal of Honor Recipients, John P. Baca (left) and Mr. Robert J. Modrzejewski (right) (click on their link to read their MOH Citations) took the time to do their own inspection of the Remember Pearl Harbor Tribute Motorcycle during a neighborly backyard picnic.

Their complements on this project were incredibly moving to this Navy veteran...

Words from these great men can only help to inspire.

If you're on twitter and love our troops, please support #Militarymon or #militarymonday by tweeting out a thank you to someone you know who's served or a cause that helps our fighting folks. Just add the hashtag #militarymon or #militarymonday to your tweet.




Curious how some of our troops spend the 4th of July? More pics and story at Gazing at the Flag blog.

While you and your family celebrate freedom and independence this weekend, take a few minutes to pay honor to those who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. Remind your children that freedom has a price and this day is not just for fireworks and pool parties.

I've been retouching pictures for the past couple of days. Our photographer did a great job, but Metal is a giant mirror with all that chrome. There were a lot of reflections that had to be removed or disguised. Here are just a few of the final pics.

Detail of the gas tank with John Finn's signature.

I love the angle Nate got on the pipes.

Finally, some nice pics of Dana with the bike. I voted for the smile one, but he likes this "Mr. Serious Harley Rider" one. I'll win this debate yet, I swear!

The V for Victory seal on the front fender.

The Navy sailors aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. John C. Stennis took a little time to acknowledge Mr. Finn's 100th birthday with this display. John is very well loved throughout the Navy.

John's 100th birthday party, which Dana attended with Metal of Honor, has also generated some press article 2 article 3