Jerome, my new friend pictured standing next to his ultra-tricked-out Harley Davidson (Dyna Super Glide) sporting that unmistakable Captain America theme, recounted to me an experience he had recently. I share it with you all now as it so clearly captures "Captain America’s" perspective and passion for this great country of ours. Jerome explained that he was stopped at a red light one day intermittently revving the throttle, then choking it back to idle, creating that deep throaty rumble reverberating from the twin "peacemaker" tail pipes which all real Americans love. After a few moments had passed, a very large, very raised 4X4 pick-up truck, with oversized mag wheels, rolled to a stop saddling up along side Jerome and his "lavish statement." Several seconds of dueling revs later, the pick-up’s side window slides down, so the driver could address Jerome over the cacophony of internal combustion engine noise. Looking sideways, the driver shouts to Jerome, "Hey Buddy! Where’s the parade?" Without missing a beat Jerome responds in true character, by stating: "You’re looking at it!"

We all have different motivations for doing the things we do, for myself and this series of photographs it is maybe attempting to give something back, and to a degree make amends for a youth misspent. During my long conversations with Jerome, he explained that for him it was also recognition of a somewhat misguided youth that now motivates him. Pondering an earlier life he sees a history of supporting the wrong causes, self-absorption and avoiding the draft, sometimes worse… All of this history he is dealing with as a past that was chosen by a much younger man. With the onset of age and wisdom that so absolutely avoids us in our formative years, perspectives change. After his spiritual awakening and embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ, it is now time to make amends in Jerome’s own unique way. It seems to me as a casual observer of Jerome’s one-man traveling parade that he is indeed on a mission.

What you are looking at is pretty much a regular guy with a gigantic passion. Wherever, Jerome and his bike go it’s a huge draw and very popular, all the while extolling the virtues of the Captain America character: patriotism, honor, truth and the American way. This is not just a photo of Jerome and his wonderful bike; it is a photo of the making of the photo we are viewing. Almost like we are watching somebody as they tell the story. The small child included on the far left of the frame represents the innocence of our hero, and the desire in us all, I believe. Not everybody can muster the strength of character and resolve to actually build and ride such a "bold statement" and mean it! Our "junior hero" has a handle bar full of lights, bells and horns, in addition to playing cards attached to his front forks with clothes pins in order to create the kid version of rumbling as you ride. The addition of a towel around his neck as a cape and paper 3-D glasses were a nice touch I thought. His super powers reside in the ability to see "three dimensionally" where ever he goes.

It’s hard to see clearly in this small photo, but this amazing Captain America Motor Bike has 5 flags anchored to the rear stanchions. Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force and finally, the largest of all by far, is the US Flag. Jerome explained that of all the flags he could use to make that large US flag, he finds that the Marine Corps manufactured flag works best. A few years of experience has taught him the best technique for creating a durable flag that can withstand the rigors of a 65 MPH ride is to buy 2 different flags and then attach them back to back with triple stitching and additional fabric to beef up the edging. Usually there is also gold embroidery surrounding the flag. Even with all that reinforcement, Jerome explained that they only last about six months, as it is a pretty rugged environment. When I inquired about all the older flags, and what he does with them after they have outlived their useful life flying on the back of the bike, he explained that he does not have the heart to get rid of them. "I have a whole drawer full of the older flags at home." He told me.

Myself and about five volunteers gathered at The Rock Store, a popular dinner hangout for bikers and celebrity bikers who congregate weekends. Located in the mountains north of Los Angeles just off highway 101, Jerome suggested that we shoot here, as it is his favorite destination. The owners Ed and Vern (Veronica) have owned it for about fifty years, and graciously allowed us to use their restaurant as a location for our shoot.

Interestingly, in the old days before Ronald Reagan was even governor, he had his first ranch just a few miles up the road, being his closest neighbors, Ed and Vern remained close friends with the Reagan’s. It might sound silly, but for me while sitting and talking to Ed and Vern, describing what I wanted to do and why, and hearing Vern describe their history with president Reagan, it was a thrill for me to shake the hand of somebody that knew Ronald Reagan Personally.

Lastly, the young man in the picture is little seven-year-old Matthew. I met Matthew and his parents some time ago where I spotted him playing a video game at a local theatre. Of all the little boys available for the shot Matthew struck me as looking wonderfully innocent in addition to having been blessed with disproportionately large ears. (My wife is always so extremely embarrassed every time I approach strangers about these art shots of mine, especially when it comes to borrowing young boys for photos.) About a year has passed from when I first glimpsed Jerome’s Hog and made arrangements for Matthew to be in the picture, as the months ticked away and finally the shooting date was approaching, Matthew’s mom explained to me that, "Sadly, Matthew has grown up and into his ears a bit, I hope that’s OK?" she said.

"Oh well, I said, we do the best with what we have!" I asked if maybe we can cut his hair really short to help accentuate his ears again, I think it did the trick.

Eric Curry