Motorcyclists Ride to Honor Fallen Heroes
EMMITSBURG, MD – An annual tradition during National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend continued Saturday.
As the rumble of motorcycles was heard in the distance, people headed to line the streets at the National Fire Academy to watch the Red Helmet Ride.
Some wore fire helmets, some wore other firefighter garb, and many motorcycles were adorned with flags.
People applauded, waved and saluted as the motorcyclists wound their way through campus toward the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
“...We ride to honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice… Our mission is to convey our thoughts and prayers to everyone. The loss of a loved one is the hardest thing in the world to overcome,” Tommy Baker, Red Helmet Ride coordinator said.
“What you have here is not only a memorial, but a family,” he told the crowd. “When you go home, remember the good times you had this weekend.”
Baker encouraged them to remember their loved one’s spirit remains.
He found it fitting to offer a saying from Gen. George Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men and women that died. Rather, we should thank God that such men and women lived.”
Motorcyclists laid a wreath at the memorial.
Thomas “TC” Nors, a firefighter from West, Texas, said he was impressed with the hospitality.
“I really can’t get over how they are catering to us out-of-towners. They’ve adopted us. Without everyone’s kindness, we’d all be lost lambs.”