- April 18, 2024
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A biker proudly shows his patriotism. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
Fire engines proudly displayed the American flag as the start of the biker run.
Bikers start the journey to Beachfront Grille in Flagler Beach.
Retired New Jersey Police Officer Randy Brands, Barbara Brands, retired Volusia County Highway Patrol Captain Dave McCrystal, Judy Tilger, Pete DeLieto and Jeff Stouffer.
Joe Masters rings the bell in a series of 4 sets of 5 rings to honor deaths in the line of duty.
The bikers paid respect during the "Star-Spangled Banner" played by Warner Velvet Blues Brass Quintet.
A 21 Gun Salute and Taps done by members of the AMVETS Post No. 113.
American flags raised during the "Star-Spangled Banner."
The Embry Riddle Acafella's sing "God Bless America."
Sheriff Jim Manfre takes a moment to recognize veterans in the assembled crowd, as well as retired and current fire department and law enforcement officers.
Through pouring rain 500 bikes and motorcyclists gathered at the Government Service Building in Bunnell on Sunday, Sept. 14. A biker run was held to commemorate the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001. This was the 9th annual 9/11 Memorial Ride and Ceremony. Starting at 10:30 a.m. the route took the group of bikers North on US1, then East on SR 206 to SR100, from SR100 to John Anderson Highway, going south. From John Anderson Highway the group came upon Walter Boardman Lane and followed High Bridge Road to A1A. The bikers end destination was at Beachfront Grille in Flagler Beach.
Before the ride began a ceremony was held at the Government Service Building. The ceremony started with Palm Coast Fire Department and AMVETS Honor Guards with the Presentation of Colors. Master of Ceremonies, Frank Scott of Rock of Daytona radio station, welcomed each guest speaker.
“Our parents remembered Pearl Harbor, this is our generation’s duty to remember the attack on the World Trade Center,” Flagler County Board Commissioner Frank Meeker said. Meeker notes that the falling of the World Trade Center was the deadliest day in New York Firefighting history with 348 firefighters killed the day the buildings fell.
Mayor of Bunnell Kathrine Robinson shared a story about a young Hispanic child who attends school in Flagler County. The child mentioned his ethnicity and pointed out he was not alive to witness the events of September 11. Therefore he claimed there was no reason for him to care about the attack on the World Trade Center. Robinson felt deeply disturbed by this child’s reasoning. “Everyone who came out of those buildings was one color that day; ashen,” Mayor Robinson said. “25 different countries were represented from the people killed in the attack. The terrorist attack brought this country together. We need to unit once more through the love of each other.”
The ceremony concluded with a prayer from Chaplin Ronald Melvin of the Knights of Inferno. Bikers and passengers assembled out of the parking lot and passed under a large American Flag suspended by two fire engines. The group was led by Volusia and Flagler County Sheriff department motorcyclists.
