GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Every year since the Sept. 11 attacks, hundreds of motorcycle riders take to the road to honor the thousands of lives lost.
"This is our 24th ride, celebrating the 23rd anniversary of the Twin Towers being knocked down," said America's 9/11 Ride Executive Board Member Roger Flick.
America's 9/11 Ride is the largest police-escorted motorcycle ride, stopping in Shanksville, The Pentagon and The World Trade Center.
The group of riders embarked on their journey Friday, Aug. 15 from Gettysburg.
"We're all volunteers," said Flick. "Nobody gets a paycheck, so more than 90% of what we take in actually goes to our programs. This is our main fundraiser for the year, for our scholarship program."
First responders and their children are eligible for the college scholarship. It's just another way for riders to memorialize the victims of 9/11.
"These bikers are here so we never forget," said Flick.
"This ride is near and dear to many people," added Kent Weinold, an associate board member with America's 9/11 Ride and a first-responder himself. "Some of the people in this ride have suffered loss in 9/11 themselves with family members."
And 24 rides later, the emotions still run high.
"It's is so deep in my heart that I can't break myself from the ride," expressed Weinold. "My services are very needed here. I'm honored to be part of this foundation."
The ride runs through Sunday, Aug. 18.