10th Anniversary of America's 9/11 Ride

The 10th Anniversary of September 11th America's 9/11 Ride August 18-21, 2011August 18th each person riding was given the name of a person who died that day. My person was Frank Thomas Aquilino, age 26 Residence: New York, NY. Employer: Cantor Fitzgerald, Location: World Trade Center. 9:30am we started from the K-Mart Store on Fruitville Pike in Lancaster Pa. 115 M/C were led by Eden Fire Company on Rt#30 to Columbia Pa. The ride is police escorted, however, someone forgot to tell the train that was crossing Rt#30 in Thomasville Pa. We arrived at 11:30am at Battlefield Harley-Davidson in Gettysburg Pa where we met up with 300 more M/C and 54 M/C Police Officers. The owners of Battlefield Harley-Davidson, David and Jennifer LeVan treated us to a BBQ Chicken dinner and all the sides. We left at 12:45pm for Somerset Pa and arrived at Somerset Pa 5:10pm. We immediately got in line for the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville Pa. The new Memorial will open September 10th 2011. After the Flight 93 ride, I traveled Rt#31 West out of Somerset to Oakhurst Tea Room for my supper which is right across from the motel, Wren Crest Lodge Motel (you need to hear the story as how I got this "Place"). The Official welcome was at 7:00pm at the Highland Harley-Davidson. Speaking were State Senator Rich Kasunic and Kenny Nacke (brother of Louis J Nacke, a passenger on Flight 93). Donnie Iris performed from 8:00-11:00pm.

August 19th Highland Harley-Davidson Somerset Pa. Instructions were given by Eric Sjurseth and a ride prayer by Father Al from Flight 93 Chapel. The M/C ride now consisted of 2,000+. The ride departed at 6:45 from Somerset and rode through Flight 93 and then off to Cumberland and Hagerstown MD Premium Outlet Mall which was 120 miles. Our 1st stop for fuel and lunch was a 4hr10min ride. At 1:30pm we left Hagerstown on the way to Leesburg VA and then to the Pentagon in Arlington VA. We arrived at 4:18pm at the Doubletree Hotel on Jefferson David Hwy. We had a fine meal provided by the Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company. They had a stage show with Aaron Tippin scheduled for 8:00pm but a storm came through which closed the show.

August 20th at the Pentagon North Parking lot Arlington VA. Eric Sjurseth gave us our instructions again. Ken Lindberg spoke about his firsthand experience in the Pentagon. Ride prayer was given and the National Anthem was sung. The ride departed at 6:45am. The 1st stop Maryland House for fuel if needed. Then off to Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson just before the Delaware Memorial Bridge was our 2nd stop for and lunch. The owner of Mike's treated us to lunch and drinks. They told us that when the first M/C crossed over the Maryland/Delaware State Line, it arrived at Mike's before the last bike crossed the Maryland/Delaware State Line, Now, that's a long line of M/C's! At1;45pm we left Mike's on the way to Linden NJ. As we traveled through NJ, we went through some small towns and large towns. One of those was Hightstown NJ, and the number of people was just overwhelming! The Fire Department was in full dress uniforms. We arrived at Linden NJ for fuel & food. Food and drinks provided by Applebee's and the Community of Linden NJ. We left Linden NJ at 7:30pm for New York City which is less than 20 miles. Went through the Holland Tunnel and up West Street to 52nd Street to 7th Ave and the New York Sheraton Hotel. We arrived 8:45pm I stayed at the Wellington Hotel. From the time we left Somerset Pa to we arrived at Linden NJ without a doubt there were 100,000 people along the roads and bridges showing their support with small hand America flags - large America flags and signs. One woman that appeared to be deaf was signing THANK YOU. Fire trucks and Ambulances also lined the roads and bridges to show their support, A BIG THANK YOU.

August 21st World Trade Center Ceremony. We lined up beginning at 7:30am at 50th and 7th Ave and departed at 8:45am. The ceremony started at 10:00am with Sean Powers, New York City Commander, when welcoming us, he told all the people that rode the 9/11 ride were made an honorary member of New York City for the day. Speakers were John Cardona, Father Sheehan, Rich Pinnavaia,Police Commissioner Fredrich H Brealefeld III of Baltimore City Police Department, Ted Sjurseth, Founder & President of America's 911 Foundation Inc. Rich Pinnavaia introduced Police Commissioner Brealefeld III who accepted the America Flag in a display case for being responsible for coordinating police escorts, for the past ten years. Rich Pinnavaia then gave a speech about his day on 9/11 as a Fire Protection Engineer in the tower 2 lower 35th floor. What he heard, what he felt and what he saw. He then introduced his son, Greg and his daughter, Cindy and her husband Tom Maher. Greg was directly behind me and Cindy and Tom were next to me on my left, and the three of us leaning up against the Police Commissioner's unmarked car. Ted Sjurseth thanked everyone who participated in this year's America's 911 Ride. After the ceremony was over, I was on my way home at 10:45am. I would like to thank everyone who participated in organizing the M/C ride. I traveled 808.3 miles.

Ronald P Scott (RP)
Past Fire Chief Westwood Fire Company Valley Township Coatesville Pa
Quartermaster Red Knights Chapter 2