Veterans ride, rally to save York school building

Members of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group rode through Cookeville on Saturday to pick up riders in support of the restoration of the original York Institute.

[simple life_51]

I saw some footage of the ride on Channel 5 yesterday..and I just wish something had been done about the building before now. Its a shame.

[grannipeg]

Not a more peaceful place in this world, the Valley of the Three Forks. Alvin York knew it, felt it. It was his beloved home. He overcame his misgivings about fighting in a war, he came back home to his peaceful valley and he tried his best to make a difference for the children there who needed a good school. He knew even back in his time that education was a good thing. And he tried. Not only did he try, he did something. What he did speaks to me. What he loved about that part of Tennessee speaks to me. I love it there. When I want some peace in my life, I go there to Pall Mall and wade in the creek, look at the hills and hope to someday make it up to Yellow Door to get some more peace, solve my problems. That place draws me. Pulls at my heart strings. He was a simple man, but had great vision for the people there. He wasn't so simple, was he? I would like to see the building preserved. I understand all about the money. But, I can't imagine ever in my lifetime achieving what he did. He lived a dream, he had vision, he acted on it, and he made a dream come alive. I consider the York Institute a national treasure and think everybody else should think it is, too.