2nd Annual Ride To Remember

By: Crystal Ashe photos: Brooklyn B. Photography, Inc

On Monday, May 31, 2021, the “2nd annual

Ride to Remember” met at the Charlotte Vietnam Wall with 219 bikes and over 275 participants to honor the men and women that sacrificed their lives for our freedom, “the true meaning of Memorial Day”. After having a wreath ceremony led by Melanye Brennan, NC Bagpiper they all headed to the Thomasville Vietnam Wall. They were led by Sheriff Garry McFadden and the Mecklenburg Sheriff Department through downtown Charlotte and into Cabarrus County. After which Stanly, and Davidson County Sheriff led them to the Thomasville Vietnam Memorial Wall. There they had an additional ceremonial wreath placed at that wall as well.

All bikes then headed to Salisbury, NC escorted by Jennifer Moreau, Salisbury City Police, and with special permission, rode through the Salisbury National Cemetery at the VA Center to pay respects for all the men and women laid to rest there, while families cheered and saluted and shouted as they drove by.

All bikes ended at Blue Collar Cycle Company in Salisbury for a hot dog lunch fundraiser that benefited Operation Decisive Victory. Patches, Pins and Shirts were also offered as a fundraiser to the VA Home in Salisbury. Total money raised that day was over $2668.

The Ride to Remember would like to thank everyone for their time and effort to make this a great success but especially Sheriff Garry McFadden, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Department, Concord Fire Department, Allen Volunteer Fire Department, Stanly County Sheriff Department, Davidson County Sheriff Department, Salisbury City Police Department, Salisbury National VA Cemetery, Gary Walter-DJ, Blue Collar Cycle Company and Operation Decisive Victory. A special thank you to Brooklyn B Brown Photography for all the pictures of the event with special photos for the riders as they came through the cemetery.

The ride has grown tremendously in just one year. They plan to make this an annual Memorial Day tradition and hope that each year it continues to grow. So, keep them in mind next year and the years to come!