Ride To Remember Coming August 1st 2006

Dear Fellow Cyclists, fellow Bloggers, and fellow Americans, 5 years ago this coming September a tragedy occurred that has changed the way we look at ourselves, and the world around us, and affected how our nation deals with the threat of terrorism that has been directed at Western Civilization for the last 30 years at least.

In case you have forgotten, in case you still have doubts about what the terrorists hope to do again if given the opportunity, or even if you have not forgotten, I want you to watch a short Quicktime video before proceeding further.

It is a powerful message about what happened that awful day, and about the courage of ordinary citizens whose job it is to fight fires, and save lives every day, who suddenly found themselves in a situation no-one ever dreamed could happen, and yet responded heroically not only in New York, as this video shows, but at the Pentagon in Washington DC as well.

The song Cry out to Jesus accompanies the last segment, and reminds the viewer that, for many, Faith was an important part in getting them through that day and the days that followed, and is important in their lives today.

Just watch the Video.

The other day I was approached, in an e-mail, about maybe doing something to help spread the word about a very special cross country Bicycle Ride, now in the early planning stages, from San Francisco to DC, scheduled for August, and early September of this year.

I now, gladly, turn over this post to a Washington DC Firefighter( Pictures can be enlarged ):

September 11, 2001

Just saying the date brings back many images of one of the worst days in America. 

Images of planes flying into buildings, people running for their lives, and smoke on the horizon of two of the greatest cities in the world.  It is hard to forget all of the firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice, and the endless funerals. 

Our lives have been changed forever.

For the firefighters of the District of Columbia who responded to the Pentagon we will never forget that day.  One of our nations toughest buildings was engulfed in flames with people exiting the inferno. 

After hours of rescue attempts, firefighting activities, and hundreds of exhausted firefighters from multiple agencies, 184 people lost their lives.  The District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department spent several days assisting Arlington Fire Department with rescue and fire suppression duties.

Five years later, firefighters from the District of Columbia Christian Firefighters Association decided to sponsor a bicycle ride to honor those who died that day.  We are trying to find firefighters from around this great country to ride in order to honor the names of those who died and the sacrifices they made.

“The Ride to Remember” will begin on August 1, 2006 in San Francisco and end at the Pentagon on September 11 at 9:48 am.  During the 42-day ride we will cover approximately 3,700 miles by using Adventure Cycling’s Western express route, and their trans America route. 

Along the way we will be staying at local firehouses to share our experiences and encourage them to hold local ceremonies to honor the 343 firefighters that died that day as well as all of the civilians.  Most firefighters wear tee shirts that say they will “never forget”, this is our way of making good on that promise.

In addition to seeking firefighters to ride from coast to coast with us, we are also looking for folks to partner with us through financial sponsorship as well as providing logistical support. 

This support can be in the way of providing vehicles and drivers to help set up rest stops as well as nightly stops.  All money collected above that which is needed to  support our bicycle ride will go to a fund to help the families of those who died at the Pentagon and the Washington DC Burn Foundation.  If you would like more information please contact:

Craig W. Duck
495 Century Vista Drive
Arnold, MD 21012
410-647-0853
firequacker621 - at - aol.com

Thank you, Craig, for sending me this announcement.

So what is The District of Columbia Christian Firefighters Association all about?

I decided to check out their website.

As readers of my other Blog know I am not the most religious person on the planet, but do not doubt the good that many who are do in our society, whether of the Evangelical variety, or not, or of the Jewish, Islamic, and other faiths, and do not doubt the value of leading  a moral life, and living in a country with a history steeped in the history of religion affecting the developement of this nation, its laws, and culture.

The 1st thing you notice is that no ABOUT PAGE is really neccessary because the Scripture/Message on the Home Page, and the Testimonies Page speak for themselves.

The DC Group is affiliated with the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International, and supports its "international non-profit, non-denominational, ministry dedicated to serving the fire service."

The DC Groups EVENTS Page has a statement that adds more to what Craig wrote above about the planned Bike Ride:

The purpose of the September 11th Ride to Remember bike ride is two fold. 

To honor our commitment to never forget those who have given their lives on September 11th 2001, and to encourage firefighters across the country to draw closer to God by having a right relationship with Him. 

As we ride our bicycle across this great country we will be stopping at firehouses to give out Bibles, talk about our experiences on September 11th, and raise support for the victims of the Pentagon families and the Washington DC Burn Foundation. 

Riders need not be members of the District of Columbia Christian Firefighters Association to participate in this ride to remember September 11th 2001.

Also here you can find info about the ride, including the Ride Schedule showing the miles of travel planned for each day, and where in the country that places the ride.

There is a 2 page  Photo Gallery you might find interesting.

There are 4 Quicktime Videos that not only have a religious theme, but showcase the bravery of not just firefighters, but of ordinary citizens as well.

One of those videos you have seen above, and of the rest one called UNREVEALED will really tug at your heart, even if you may not be receptive to its religious message.

Visit the website of the District of Columbia Christian Firefighters Association.

What I hope this post will do is to encourage Bloggers to spread the word, especially in communities that this ride will pass through.

Let your Fire Departments, and local Community Leaders, know about this.

Let your local Cycling Clubs, Cycling Advocacy Groups, and Bike Shops know about this.

Financial, and Logistical Support, of all types, will be needed to pull this off as you can well imagine.

A successful ride, one that will be remembered, will send a powerful message about the faith, courage, and determination of the people of this great nation of ours, of all political stripes, that despite differences of opinion on the Liberation of Afghanistan, and Iraq, and about the future of the continuing War Against Terror....

We REMEMBER...

And will never, ever, FORGET.

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