By Eric Peterson
GREAT FALLS, Mont.—More than 250 riders participated in the annual 9/11 Memorial Ride to the Montana Veterans Memorial on September 11, 2023.
The first ride was originally organized by members of the Big Sky Harley Owners Group to remember and honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the lives lost when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
This year, the Montana Chapter of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club organized the event, but all local motorcycle riders were invited to participate.
The motorcycles traveled down 10th Avenue South, past the large flag flying at Overlook Park, and River Drive on their way to the memorial.
Local USVMC President Andy Franks appreciated the public’s reaction to the convoy of motorcycles.
“Many Great Falls residents came out to watch and wave as we rode by,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of videos and thank you messages posted to Facebook.”
Franks said the parade of motorcycles was escorted by Great Falls Police Department and Cascade Sheriff’s Department officers. In addition, he said 30 volunteers from Malmstrom Air Force Base and Ox and Son Towing and Recovery, Carnahan Towing, and Carl’s Exxon provided trucks and drivers to assist with traffic control. Great Falls Fire Rescue and several volunteer fire departments also supported the event with trucks and personnel.
Franks was a member of the United States Air Force and was flying home on military leave when he learned about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He viewed one of the first reports of American Airlines Flight 11 crashing into the World Trade Center on a Chicago airport television monitor.
He said it’s important for the generations that follow to remember that the tragedy brought us together as a nation to search for those responsible for the attack.
“By remembering what happened, our future leaders will make the correct decisions if this ever happens again,” he said. Paraphrasing writer George Santayana, he added, “It’s important to learn from our history, or we’ll be doomed to repeat it. “
For more information on the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club, please visit their website: https://www.usveteransmc.org.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.