Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago. In reality, it’s been 21 years since the 9/11 attacks on the United States.
It also marks the 21st annual 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride. It’s hard to believe that the small ride, with a few dozen riders has grown to the event that it is now.
‘Tank’ Baird, Todd Winder and everyone from the 9/11 Memorial Coalition and the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company do everything possible to make the ride a safe experience while honoring all those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks. We thank them for everything they do.
Lou has all the details on the ride, and the ride map on pages 6 & 7. Please remember to be patient during the ride. We know how this works. Traffic will be tied up. Take a look at the map and try to avoid those areas during the ride. If you do get caught in traffic, instead of being upset, take that time to remember why they are riding and appreciate the life you are living, because there are over 3,000 people who don’t have that privilege.
Big areas to avoid are Southern Ave. in South Williamsport, and all of West and East Third St. Remember if you need to get across Third St. during the ride you need to be prepared for it take a while so get your errands done early or find another way around.
If you are able, please go out and support the ride. Even if you can’t ride, please get out and line the streets, wave a flag, and remember those whose lives were lost, those who were injured, and the families left behind.
The memory of 9/11 sticks with us all. It reminds us that freedom isn’t free, and we should be thankful for all the men and women who are currently serving and have served our country.
It’s a trying time in the US today, so let’s all take a break on 9/11 and remember the military members and emergency service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of helping and protecting others. Politics can wait. I promise, there will be plenty to argue about on Monday.
Little League baseball may be Williamsport’s and Lycoming County’s calling card, we should also be so proud of what the 9/11 Memorial Ride has developed into over the years.
Thousands and thousands of bikes and riders come out every year to participate, making it the largest ride of its kind in the country. And that’s not even including the innumerable number of people who line the streets to watch the ride.
To all the riders this year, please be safe. And thank you for joining this ride to remember.
To those lining the streets and sidewalks, please be safe. And thank you for supporting the riders and remembering those who lost their lives on 9/11.
