Motorcyclists rally to support U.S. troops in Iraq
Provided below are articles and links describing the Ride For The Troops sponsored by Destination Harley. Proceeds from the event will benefit the families of the Stryker Brigade. Way to go!
Motorcyclists rally to support U.S. troops in Iraq - KING 5 News. Registration required, but a video clip is included.
Ride For The Troops - KOMO News
UPDATE 7/13: Dawn sent us a link to the Destination Harley photo gallery, which has almost 40 pictures from the event. To view the photos follow the link and select "Ride for Troops July 11 2004" from the drop-down menu.
The Ride For Troops website posted the following highlights:
1575 bikes registered.
Anywhere from 1660 to 2000 from the headcount by by-standers.
Three helicopters!
17 to 20 miles of bikes stretching as far as the eye could see!
Follow the link above to find out how to order a video of the event. They will also be posting photos in a few days. We'll keep an eye out for them.
UPDATE 7/14: Provided below is a photo Jan sent me from her son. This a a group of Task Force Olympia soldiers that are regular riders who wanted to show their support for the rally. We can't identify all of the soldiers, but many are from the Alabama Army National Guard, 115th Sig BN, Florence, AL. A larger version can be viewed here.
(Photo courtesy of Maj. Richard Curtis, 115th Sig BN)We've also created a new album in our photo gallery featuring pictures from the rally. Let us know if you have any photos you would like to add.
UPDATE 7/15: Dawn let us know that Picture Man, the offcial photographer of the event, has posted tons of photos from the event...97 pages worth!
Comments For "Motorcyclists rally to support U.S. troops in Iraq":
Thanks to all that participated! Our troops really appreciate the love and support!
from a Stryker soldier Mom in California
Posted by: Momma Smooth | July 12, 2004 11:32 AM
My husband got to participate all the way from Iraq! He called on the cell while I was standing on the bridge just as they first riders were coming through. He decided it was too loud to talk but he thought it was very cool and he sends big Thank you's to everyone for their continued support!
Posted by: sapperwife | July 13, 2004 10:50 AM
Hi all -
I was there.
I was there to help in the morning and after the ride. I rode as well (dog was going to go, but, long story short, couldn't)(better off that way since he hasn't done 70 and I had probs with my flag on the way).
I agree with Todd, the media didn't do justice to the event. It was a tough job.
You had to be there to REALLY feel the effect. My glasses fogged up too many times and there was a time when I was inside watching the slide show looking for a familiar face (actually saw it 2x, plus someone else I knew) and I was hoping that someone would NOT make eye contact with me.
As we were heading south on the freeway, I saw 3 helicopters fly over, circle and repeat a couple of times. There were a couple of other aircraft that were viewed by other people that I talked to. If anyone knows who was in charge of them, please tell them that they made an impact of their own with the riders.
There were people on almost EVERY overpass. There was an older gentleman who paced the bikes for a short distance. His left hand was out the window of his car and he was holding an American flag.
The bbq was great! The entertainment and MCs were fabulous. The police officers who VOLUNTEERED to help out were great. There were more people than expected and it was WONDERFUL!!!
The staff at Destination Harley Davidson put together a day that meant so much to so many on so many different levels.
Thanks to Christine and Lynn for the idea and to everyone else who banded together to make the day one for the record books.
Posted by: swtmdmboo | July 13, 2004 1:31 PM
I was there with my family and was very moved from the event from the thorne lane bridge. Growing up around Harley's and being at several bike runs in CT. Called "Pappy's Day Run", I knew my family was in for a treat with the bikes ruling the Highway.....We arrived unprepared without a flag and a woman gave us one for my son to wave. It was awesome and I too had teary eyes. You see I am a Warrant in the other STRYKER BDE and it really hit home.... There are a lot of people out there who believe in the country and it's soldiers and the hard life we lead... It meant a lot to us and we also got some great photos... I will fwd them to whoever would like them.... Our TRP is putting on a formal and I am putting these photos in the presentation I am creating.... It was a C-17 aircraft in the backround...... the black hawks were amazing...It looked like an escort..
Posted by: Frank Volpe | July 14, 2004 12:04 AM
The photos really don't do this event justice. You aren't able to feel the bond that each of the riders had....not just becuase we ride, but because we were there to remember. Remember all of the families and the troops separated from those families.
The photos also don't show the number of people standing along side the highway at the exit ramps. Waving flags, honking horns and hollering. Or the number of cars that passed the riders with flags being held out the windows by those in the car.
As one of several thousand, I am lucky, and proud to be able to say that yes, I rode. I rode in support of all of those who are overseas, separated from family and loved one.
You all have more support than many of us were aware. It's great that a 'bunch of bikers' pulled so many together for a great cause!
Posted by: Michele K. | July 18, 2004 6:02 PM
Destination Harley-Davidson has devoted a page to this event. We have posted stories we've received, with pictures and links that show the true magnitude of the day. Bikers have always known what freedom means; it's been our privilege to share our appreciation with the troops that help to preserve it.
Posted by: Tom H. | July 22, 2004 10:50 AM