911 Ride

[philunderwood]

Glad to see the ride turned out even better than past rides. Good work Todd and fellow organizers!!!!

[twinder]

Thanks, Phil. We could not believe the turnout for a Tuesday evening. The unofficial count is 5863 motorcycles and 1 dune buggy! The Coalition meets next week and then there should be an official anouncement about the ride.

Also, I don't deserve any credit for this ride. It is the 9/11 Memorial Coalition that deserves the credit. I just play a small part in it all as a Coalition member.

This year was the first for me to be on the route. I followed the column of bikes in our Hummer Brush Truck. I was amazed at the people along the streets. Although, I will admit that it made me proud when people would see our truck and yell "Yay Clinton Township!" We don't hear that too much and it made me proud that our department is part of this event.

I'm sure that you all saw the LTE from Sue Richards today. I'm amazed at some people but, that's also what the ride is all about, Freedom! Freedom to be a jackass and not like something if you want to. I wouldn't trade my freedom for anything. I admit that whoever CHayes is, just got under my skin with his comments and I had to reply.

During the 2010 ride, there was a bunch of Marines who came to the ride in up-armored Humvees to pay tribute to the Marine from Williamsport who was killed in action. I was honored to meet with them at the event. I was able to speak with them privately in our rec room at the station during the day. They told me all about their fallen brother and I also met his parents. I kept my composure for as long as I could and then I went into my office, locked the door, and just sobbed. I pulled myself together and go back outside and the engine from Trout Run showed up to line up in the procession and they placed their brother's turn-out gear on the front bumper of the rig with a picture of him. I lost it all over again. I met some of the family members and co-workers of the DEA Agent who was killed that year and they were all so appreciative that his service to our Country was being honored during the ride.

Don't try to tell me that this ride is just an excuse for a bunch of 'posers' to go for a cruise, as was stated by someone else in the comments section.

I'd like for any of them to come to the Memorial service next year and watch the Korean War vets, who are all in their 70's and 80's, snap to attention and perform a 21 gun salute to the dead and then play taps and tell me this ride doesn't have meaning.

I'd like for any of them to come and listen to Father Manno talk about the Fallen Hero Cards while he is choking back tears and tell me this ride doesn't have meaning.

I'd like for any of them to come and see thousands of big, burly, bikers standing, holding hands during the prayers, with tears streaming down their faces and tell me the ride doesn't have meaning.

I'd like for them to hear Mr. Hoffman sing the National Anthem and then try to tell me that they are not moved by his rendition.

I'd like for any of them to have been there when a woman, whose family member was killed in one of the towers, handed Tank an American Flag with all of the names of those who died in the attack on it and see how that affected him and everyone who was present.

I'd LOVE to see any of them come to the next ride and identify themselves to me. I'll grant them the opportunity to stand on stage, use their First Amendment Right, and say about how much they hate the ride.

And then I'll just sit back and smile while 5000 "posers" exercise theirs and drown the fools out.

Yeah...tell me again that this ride doesn't have meaning.