After reading the letter titled "Shorter, please" I was compelled to write. I have been a part of the 9/11 motorcycle ride since 2004, either photographing, taking video or sometimes doing both at the same time and being a part of one of the largest rolling memorials to what happened that fateful day. It is something I am proud of.
This is not a "cruise," but a very well organized event and is not done by one person. Tom "Tank" Baird and other members of the 9/11 Memorial Coalition work nearly year round to make this possible. It is not just one motorcycle club that does this but persons from different backgrounds that come together to make it a go. I also noticed in Sue's letter about helping out others; well, after this ride is over and we go our own ways, we do this type of work. Some of us also donate to food banks. Other clubs donate to fire companies, scholarships, and various other organizations.
I know this ride also disrupts traffic for a little bit and might make you late for something but if you read ahead and know where the ride rolls you will make an effort to find another way around and if you get caught, don't sit there and be a sourpuss, get out and show your support, wave a flag, wave your hand at us and be proud to be an American. In closing, watching this ride from one vantage point is not enough. I would like to have Sue ride along with us and see what this ride is all about; she would get a better perspective on what this means to so many.
John Nevill
Williamsport
Submitted by E-Mail
