by Katie Bartel, Black Press
Last year’s Memorial Ride for the Fallen was only supposed to be a one-time event. That is until organizers came face to face with B.C.’s silver cross families.
“I could not say no to the silver cross moms,” said Barry Drews, vice president of the 3rd CAV (Canadian Army Veterans) Ubique Unit, which organized the ride. “They told me they couldn’t wait until next year. I knew we had started something here, that we couldn’t just let it go.”
The second annual Memorial Ride for the Fallen is on June 11 starting at 11 a.m.
This ride is not going to be your typical hog show. Yes, there are going to be motorbikes of all calibre screaming down the highway, and riders, who at first glance come off as being tough and gruff with their scruffy beards and leather chaps. But if you look closely enough, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of their super sized hearts.
The Memorial Ride for the Fallen was organized as a way of honouring and paying respect to B.C. soldiers who have lost their lives (nine to date) and to show their families that their children, their siblings, their nieces and nephews will never be forgotten.
Hundreds of riders from all over B.C. will gather in Vancouver and ride their bikes down Highway 1 all the way to the Lickman Road exit in Chilliwack.
A memorial service will be held at the cenotaph to remember soldiers from B.C. who lost their lives fighting in Afghanistan. Silver cross families will be in attendance.
Organizers hope to attract 1,000 riders and $20,000 in donations.
Funds raised will go to the Military Family Resource Centre, and to the Honour House Society.
Visit www.honourhouse.ca.