Mike Graham always looks forward to revving the engine of his new Indian Chieftain motorcycle. On Saturday, Sept. 12, the 20-year United States Army veteran will join nearly 200 other bike aficionados as they ride to Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park as part of the annual Remembrance Ride.
For Graham, who is riding for the fifth time, the annual trek is a way to pay homage to those who have and continue to serve.
STANDING TOGETHER
The ride, which is going into its eighth year, is sponsored by Plant City AMVETS Post 44 and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County Inc. The Remembrance Ride honors first responders and military veterans, as well as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The ride will benefit James A. Haley Hospital recreational services and the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. It also marks the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Graham, a former AMVETS Post 44 commander, helped organize the event.
In the Army, he was in charge of troops that carried out psychological operations. He lived the changes that occurred in the military after 9/11. He served over two years in Iraq, and lost soldiers who were deployed after 9/11.
“It went from training for war to deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan continuously,” he said. “It’s one to never forget, never let our guard down.”
For Dan Mayo, who is also a member of AMVETS Post 44, the anniversary is also a time for unity. He served in the U.S. Navy for eight years before a medical discharge.
“It means that we’re vulnerable, and we need to stand together as Americans … to support those that are there to serve,” Mayo said.
A TRIBUTE TO SERVICE
Most riders and volunteers are pleased with the programs that will benefit from the Remembrance Ride, especially James A. Haley Hospital recreational services. The program currently does not have any government funding, but money raised from the ride will go to provide injured veterans with outings that they may not otherwise be able to take part in, such as golfing, bowling and other types of physical therapy. Many of the veterans are amputees or have spinal cord injuries.
“I like to know where everything is going,” Graham said.
John Renda agrees that supporting the hospital’s recreational services is a worthy cause. Renda, whose father served in the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II, is part of Sons of AMVETS. Although he has ridden in the past, this year he will be helping with operations at the park.
“The only way they get out is through these activities,” Renda said.
Although the ride is sponsored in part by AMVETS Post 44, anyone is encouraged to ride and pay their respects to active and retired military, law enforcement and first responders.
“It’s just thanking everybody that helped out that day,” rider JP Pelillo said. “It was just devastating.”
Like Renda, Pelillo is part of Sons of AMVETS. His father served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, and his son, Matthew, is currently serving in the U.S. Army at Ft. Hood. Pelillo has been riding in the event every year since its inception and will ride again this year.
“How can we repay? By remembering,” Pelillo said.
Jodi Wood was active duty in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years. For the last 15 years, she has been a reservist. This marks the first year that Wood will ride her own motorcycle in the Remembrance Ride. In the past, she has ridden on the back of another motorcycle or followed the group in her car. She also acts as the event’s photographer.
In 2001, Wood was a reservist working at a gas station when she was called into active duty for about five months. She worked in the Air Force as a radio technician to connect ground units with aircrafts.
She has been involved in helping AMVETS raise money for veterans, such as the ones at James. A Haley Hospital, who have had to deal with the after effects of the 2001 attacks.
“It gets them out of their humdrum for a couple of hours,” Wood said. “It gives them time to feel like a human instead of a patient.”
Wood said for as long as the event continues she will find a way to continue her participation. For her, like many of the other veterans and their families, it is a day to remember and reflect upon.
IF YOU GO
Remembrance Ride
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 Highway 301 N., Tampa
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
SEPT. 11 REMEMBRANCE
The lives of civilians and first responders lost from the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 are remembered across the United States through tributes, memorials and annual events. Below are some events that will mark the 14th anniversary:
Washington, DC
The 9/11 Unity Walk will be held at Embassy Row. The free event serves as a way to remember 9/11 while educating attendees on different faiths and cultures.
Arlington, Virginia
A moment of silence will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at 9:37 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2015. The Pentagon Memorial in Arlington will also have a service for families of 9/11 victims.
Crystal City, Virginia
The 5th Annual Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K Run will begin at the DoubleTree Hotel in Arlington on Sept. 12, 2015. Funds raised from the run will go towards the Fisher House Foundation and the Wounded Warriors Project.
New York, New York
On Sept. 11, 2015, the artwork Tribute in Light will light up the New York City skyline at dusk and remain lit until dawn of the following day. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is also open to the public.
