9/11 Memorial Ride 10th Anniversary Event

This morning, I had the pleasure of joining at least 300 bikers in escorting a piece of WTC steel to our Capital Building, where it will join a giant flag as a Memorial to that day.

As with all of these events, it brings out a friendly bunch of bikers that range from the all black Buffalo Soldiers, to the Rebel Flag wearing crowd, to the female Chrome Divas, to the all-important Patriot Guard. There is nothing but solidarity, unity, and brotherhood/sisterhood between all the groups, and they make me proud each and every time I attend a ride.

Today was no exception, it was a beautiful event, with a surreal tone of remembrance, and beautiful words from the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Sheriff, Chaplains, and Color Guard. There was a bagpipe band, which always gives the perfect amount of sadness and reflection to a memorial. There was the University band to provide the Energy and Patriotism. There were people standing on street corners to wave as we rode by, and there was a crowd at the Capitol to welcome us as we arrived. Security was surprisingly light, and we parked our bikes right on the front sidewalks and secure lots of the Capital building, inside the barricades, and without going through any security. From the folks I know, and the things I saw, I'm guessing better than 50% were armed, so I suppose there wasn't a real need for security anyway!

There are already so many 9/11 threads, so I hesitated to post this, but it was an enriching and enlightening experience, so I hope everyone will join me in sharing their own stories from today, and their own feelings in reflection of the 10-year anniversary.
* * * * * * * * * * * *To be entirely honest, I am a "Truther," whatever that means. I don't believe the official story, but I also don't think it was some large scale government conspiracy operation, I just think there are a lot of anomalies, coincidences, and unanswered questions, and we shouldn't just accept the packaged story. I am also a Tea Partier, but I absolutely do not support the Patriot Acts and on-going wars, even though I fully support our troops that are faithfully fulfilling their duties. Those things always make me a little conflicted when thinking and discussing an event like 9/11 with such a wonderful crowd of Patriots, but I often find that my views are shared by many, and it doesn't temper their patriotism in the least.

It makes me proud to think that a lot of our soldiers and firemen and police and paramedics were just kids 10 years ago, and despite the horrendous event, they still chose to pursue a life of public service. I think they show true heroism in their voluntary risks and sacrifices. It is amazing to think Jr High, Middle School, and Elementary Kids watching 9/11 on live TV are now the very adults that are striving to make sure it doesn't happen again, and if it does happen again, they are there to help. Truly amazing.

It makes me very sad to think that those same kids are growing up in a generation that doesn't realize how many rights they have already given up. Things like indefinite detentions, sealed warrants, paramilitary house raids, constant wire-tapping, and TSA procedures are all too common and normal for them. Think how far gone we will be in another 10 years?!?!?! For all of their heroic efforts, and despite the fact that there were no follow up attacks, it seems we have lost the war anyway, and Terror has won.

Think back today on the good along with the bad. Here are a few pictures from my morning, and despite my personal confliction, I was happy to memorialize the steel, and support the personnel that served that day, and still serve today.

It is great to be an American, and great to be able to voice my Patriotism, and my Displeasure without fear of reprisal, and it is great to get up on a cool 60 degree morning, join hundreds of like-minded, yet culturally and politically diversified individuals for peaceful reflection and then ride our loud motorcycles through the streets of the city, and get warm and friendly waves, and watch as cars wait patiently at red and green lights, and pull to the side to watch us pass, and wave and smile, because they understand the significance of the solidarity the escort shows. It was a GREAT MORNING!!

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How much did that piece of steel cost? I only ask because I'm ashamed we shipped so much of it away, only to sell the remaining "rare" pieces to municipalities and fire stations.. we could have kept it all and donated it to every firehouse, and every capitol building throughout the country.. instead they sell the pieces for who knows how much, and who knows what they'll do with the money.

though kudos to the ride. I'm sure it was memorable.

Great post.

If you have never been apart of a ride like the op is referring to, I highly suggest adding that to your bucket list.

I work for a Harley-Davidson dealership on the east coast that has hosted numerous 9/11 events and rides.

Hundreds of bikes roaring by, American flags soaring in the wind and faces filled with pride, will remind you of the original meaning of The United States of America.

It was an honor to be a part of such selfless displays of respect, freedom, honor and dignity. The feelings it evokes are immense. If only we could carry with us through life, that same emotion that is felt in that fleeting moment, I believe we'd be much better off as a community, a country and a family.

Thanks mod for being a part of what keeps me going strong in this world.

reply to post by Myendica


I think it was donated, buti could be wrong. A fireman here was involved in another memorial somewhere, and he was able to arrange one here for us. I don't think the fire department had to pay anything. I'm not sure who pays for the display and memorial either? Probably a fund for that.

Update:

So, It is $7 to get into our local Gun Show every quarter. I usually go without my wife, because she isn't all that interested and $7 to just browse isn't a very good deal. Once in awhile I buy something, but not often.

Today, upon returning from the ride and posting this thread, my wife asked when the next gun show is in town. It happened to be here this weekend, and the next one isn't until December. She was excited, and she wanted to go get rid of her little pink .25 caliber, and trade it for a bigger "more manly" gun. She doesn't read ATS, and she refuses to watch the news, and she wasn't scared of anything, she just wanted to feel more masculine today. Maybe it was my biker gear, LOL!

Anyhow, we took the kids out for brunch, and then went to the gun show, and picked up a nice Smith and Wesson Body Guard .380 with a built in laser. She loves it, and I guess it was her way of celebrating 9/11 by exercising her rights and feeling her masculinity. To each their own, it seemed like a neat thing to spend the afternoon of 9/11 at a gun show, and the kids had fun.

Just thought I'd share.

Here's a video of the gun, but this isn't us in the video, its just a generic Youtube video of the gun.

Just found a couple of videos from the event I forgot I had.