Ride to Remember draws hundreds of supporters

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Law enforcement and fire departments from around the area and beyond escorted the motorcycles on their Ride to Remember and do honor to those who gave their lives on 9/11.

Editor

Saturday night brought the rumble of storms through McHenry and Boone Counties, wakening some with brilliant lightning and crashing thunder. On Sunday, Sept. 2, it wasn’t the rumble of thunder but the growl of motorcycles coming through the area that we heard.

Police, Sheriff, and Fire Departments came out to escort 260 motorcycles carrying about 400 riders from the Harley-Davidson dealership, 2235 S. Eastwood Dr. Woodstock on a loop through Boone County and back again. The ride was to remember the victims and first responders who sacrificed their lives on 9/11.

A Field of Remembrance/Healing Field of flags grew on open ground beside the H-D dealership. Each flag was dedicated to one of the first responders who gave their lives to save others that terrible day when so many lives were lost. A first responder’s name and some information regarding them was attached to each flagpole in the field. These flags were placed by the True Patriots Care Foundation.

The funds raised from this event are to be divided between:

The Greg Lindmark Foundation in Rockford whose mission is to “reduce the impact of cumulative stress and trauma on first time

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
The Field of Honor flags honored the 343 firefighters, 37 police officers of the New York Port Authority and New Jersey Police Dept., 23 officers of the New York Police Dept., eight emergency technicians and paramedics from private services and one member of the New York Fire Patrol who died saving others.

responders by providing awareness, education, and confidential counseling.”

And Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding Centers in Poplar Grove and Harvard.

“BraveHearts provides equine-assisted activities and therapies with teams of expert staff, dedicated volunteers, and therapy horses at multiple safe and caring facilities. In addition to serving children and adults, BraveHearts provides innovative services to meet the needs of our military veterans and their families. By utilizing a faculty of national experts, BraveHearts is a center of excellence within the therapeutic industry through its unique efforts in programming, education, and research.”

“Terry Kaufman of VetsRoll worked with us,” said Frank Duggan, ride organizer. “I am very thankful to Doug Jackson of the Woodstock Harley-Davidson for supporting the ride. This ride could not take place without the support of my wife, Maureen, my family, neighbors, friends, and all those that support our first responders and veterans.”

Some the departments to join the Ride to Remember were: Woodstock Police Dept.; Woodstock Fire Dept.; Illinois State Police; Evanston Police Dept.; Crystal Lake Conservation Police; Union Fire Dept.; Marengo Police Dept.; Marengo Fire Dept.; Prairie Grove Police Dept. McHenry Police Dept.; McHenry County Sheriff’s Dept.; Belvidere Police Dept.; Belvidere Fire Dept.; Boone County Sheriff’s Dept.; Boone County Dist. 3 Fire Dept.; Capron Fire Dept.; Harvard Fire Dept.; Cook County Police Dept.; and more.

“It’s a great event to represent both the first responders and the military on this weekend,” said…

For complete article, pick up the Sept. 6 Belvidere Republican.