9/11 Patriotic Ride and Remembrance Ceremony

Add Feedback

Share |

Each year, Gary Biggerstaff, an Engineer with the Long Beach Fire Department, places 343 homemade crosses in his front yard.  The crosses bear the names and the station of the New York City Firefighters who perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers.  Not only is this an act of remembrance, but it is now part of a larger tradition, one that includes a motorcycle ride and a memorial ceremony.

The 40 mile motorcycle ride starts at Cook's Corner, a landmark motorcycle restaurant and bar located in the foothills of Orange County, California, and ends at Biggerstaff's house.  The ride started with 55 motorcycles joining Biggerstaff in 2003 and has since grown to over 500 motorcycles.  Capt. Rich Brandt of the Long Beach Fire Department says, "It's just our tribute . . . firefighters in California, Long Beach . . . tribute to the families and friends back in New York."  A visitor from New York, Lt. Ray Seeley of Squad 288 New York City Fire Department Special Operations Command, comments, "This is just such a positive . . . remembrance of what went on and it's really good to see everybody come out."  Another New Yorker, Christopher Howard, a firefighter with FDNY Engine 255, says, "It's really nice that people on the other side of the country still remember . . . what happened and they have chosen not to forget."

This ride touches many riders, not just firefighters.  Christina LeBlanc, a rider, says, "Our friends talked about it.  They said that this is the best ride you'll ever go on.  You'll get chills . . . so, I tried it last year and they were right."There were numerous displays of support along the route as the riders passed through different cities on their way to Biggerstaff's house.  Capt. Rob Rappaport of the Riverside City Fire Department says, "They always say never forget and this is what helps people not forget."

Once all the riders arrive on the tiny Long Beach residential street, the memorial ceremony begins with a prayer and the playing of bag pipes.  In the next part of the ceremony, John O' Connor, a firefighter with the LAFD, asks the crowd to join hands and take a minute to reflect on the tragic events that transpired that dark day.

Biggerstaff, who is largely responsible for such a moving tribute, explains, "It's really all about the people that come here and the people who get on that microphone and have something to say, that have a personal connection to September 11th.  As people keep coming back, I'll keep doing this every year."

Related Videos:

Tribute WTC Visitor Center: Part 1

Tribute WTC Visitor Center: Part 2