6th Annual Tribute to the Troops Ride & Benefit Concert Sept. 11th-13th, 2009


Recap

The 6th Annual Tribute To The Troops Ride & Concert weekend has now passed by. By any measure, the weekend was a complete success! Fortunate to enjoy three near perfect weather days, riders visited seven wonderful families of our fallen heroes, having the opportunity to convey their sympathies and support, and to ensure each family that their loss will not be forgotten. Each of these families was gracious in their welcome and opened their home warmly to all who visited.

A group of 150+ riders and passengers staged on Friday morning at the State Capitol, then set out for the Tee It Up For The Troops golf event at Mendakota Country Club to enjoy a delicious lunch, a respectful program honoring the families of our heroes and a spectacular landing of a Blackhawk helicopter on the first tee. From Mendakota CC, the ride journeyed across town to ride through Anoka and Coon Rapids and over a bridge lined with firefighters and others as part of a salute and remembrance to those who lost their lives during 9/11/01. The ride continued from there to Lindstrom to visit the Healing Wall, a scale replica of the Vietnam Wall. Riders then split into two groups and headed off into different directions to visit families in Chisago City and Wrenshall.

Saturday included five more family visits as the two groups started the day separated – one group making visits in Olivia and Hastings and the other group making visits in St. Francis and Rosemount. Both rides joined together for the last family visit in Woodbury. It was a most impressive sight to watch as just over 130 motorcycles entered a quiet neighborhood in Woodbury and rode up to the last family visit. The visit capped a day filled with tears and smiles as we all shared in the emotions of each family visit, touching the lives of each family while ourselves feeling their warmth and appreciation as we visited.

Our annual Memorial Ride to Camp Ripley staged at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery where we remembered those who served our country proudly, many of whom gave all, all of whom gave some. We arrived at Camp Ripley and entered the gate through a flag line of our friends from the MN Patriot Guard Riders. As we weaved our way to the lunch hall, we rode down the final stretch on a street lined by National Guard – Red Bulls – welcoming us to Camp. We had nearly 300 participants join the Red Bulls for lunch and fill a hall setup for nearly 500!! Rockie Lynne held a special program to entertain everyone as we spent time with the brave men and women in uniform that answered the call for duty on our behalf. It was a opportunity to remind these men and women how much we appreciate their service!

From Camp Ripley, the ride headed for the Medina Entertainment Center for the Annual Benefit Concert. Families of our fallen heroes were the special guests for the evening and were surrounded by many of the riders that had spent the weekend riding in their honor and in memory of their loved ones. The evening began with the Presentation of the Colors by the Forest Lake American Legion followed by bagpiper and Vietnam veteran Emilio Munoz. Jon Engen of BOBFM helped out as master of ceremonies as he introduced performances by Redpath, Jacob Martin, and Todd Ernster of the Killer Hayseeds. Pastor Mike Haseltine of Maranatha Chuch in Forest Lake was the guest speaker. After a moment of silence for those who lost their lives during 9/11, the names of each of Minnesota’s fallen heroes were read and remembered by our riders and volunteers. Following the reading of the names, Rockie Lynne sang Amazing Grace and then began his musical tribute prepared specially for the families of our fallen heroes. It was an awesome and heartfelt program that will long be remembered by all in attendance. It was a wonderful evening and an honor to have so many families of our fallen heroes be present as our guests.

From all of us on the Board of Directors, we thank everyone who participated in this year’s event – riders, passengers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and friends. Most importantly, we thank and honor the families of our fallen heroes that shared this weekend with us all. We shall not forget their loss or the bravery of each of their loved ones … our fallen heroes …

Respectfully,
Board of Directors
Tribute To The Troops