TorchesAcrossAmerica

Don Snyder has passed away and will be missed by many.

2011-06-17T20:32:00.018-05:00

Here is an e-mail sent to me by Don Snyder's daughters informing me about Don's Funeral Service.

I am writing to inform you that Donald Snyder has unfortunately passed away on Wednesday June 8th after suffering heart complications. His funeral and service will be held at noon on Monday June 20th at the Cochran & Waud Sunset Chapel, 715 7th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045, followed by a military graveside service with the Patriot Guard to be held at Willamette National Cemetery 11800 SE Mt. Scott Boulevard, Portland, OR 97086-6937. Reception to follow.
If you have any questions please call Donald’s daughters Eva Fisher at 503 659 3480 or Nancy Hale at 503 882 6928.
Sincerely
Eva Fisher & Nancy Hale

Kip Doran sent me an e-mail saying; I understand the Patriot Guard will be there in his honor, I’m sure it will be packed with a lifetime of friends and family.

I am very proud to say that I road with Don Snyder on two TAA rides. He was a super person and helped me out in many ways. On the second TAA ride he came with his brother (Link Snyder) and their friend Kip Doran and the three of them were super great road guards.

Here are some of many pictures I have of Don Snyders thanks to all of the TAA riders.

Don at the Tulsa, OK,VFW Post 308 911 Memorial Service.

Don doing his best thinking while on the ride at Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, AZ.

Don with the core group that was invited to be apart of the Jersey City, NJ, 911Memorial Service. Also in the picture on the left side is Jersey City, NJ, Mayor Glenn Cunningham.

Don in Harrisburg,PA.

Don talking to someone in Harrisburg, PA.

Don participating in bike games at the Holiday Inn in Amarillo, TX

2008 March TAA Ride Updates

2008-03-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

First I would like to tell you that Rick Parson, Torches Across America New Mexico State Coordinator was taken to the Presbyterian Hospital by ambulance on February 7th this year. Rick had pulmonary embolism with massive blood clots in both lungs two years ago and now it has happened all over again. He is home now and just starting to get around again.

I have talked to him about helping with TAA again this year and he has already started on it. Rick’s a great person so maybe you can sent him a get well e-mail. His e-mail address is; rgp7255@yahoo.com .

Roger Alons, TAA Illinois State Coordinator was in the hospital in the past couple of months having a colon operation. So far no cancer. Roger is a great person so maybe you can send him a get well e-mail also. His e-mail address is; rotorhd669@msn.com .

I talked to Les Knauer after he came out off the hospital from his stroke. Nancy gave him the phone and said Gary wants to talk to you. Les did not say anything so I said to him, I here you went to the hospital just to see all the pretty nurses. Les did not say anything still so I said it again, still he did not say anything. Then about a minute or two later he says to me, you know Nancy and I have been married for thirty one years this year, pause, I was in the hospital for 31 days, pause, I had my pants pulled down more times in those thirty one days by a woman, then I have during the 31 years of our marriage.

So all I can say about that is, your get well e-mails sure helped him get better. He still has a long way to go but if I know Les, he will make it with Nancy’s help.

I just want everyone to know, all I am doing this year is helping the hosts put the 2008 Torches Across America ride together. I am not, putting it together.
When Roger and TAA Troy, IL said the ride would at least continue from Troy, IL in 2008, I told them I would get in touch with the other hosts and see if they would like to help also. I am very glad to say they are all on board again this year.

So here how it looks so far;

Oceanside, CA

Bill Kennedy is working on a starting place in San Diego for the start of the 2008 ride. It sounds great and I hope it all works out.

Laughlin, NV

Instead of the ride spending the first night out in Kingman, AZ, the ride will spend the night in Laughlin, NV.

Last year Jennifer Wilson, Special Veteran Program Manager with the AVI Resort and Casino and Heather Ching Co-Founder Bullhead Patriots, member of the Patriot Guard Riders and Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America wanted to be a part of the ride and help the riders. They did a super job of it to. This year they would like to be a part of TAA and have the riders come to Laughlin.

New Mexico

When I talked to Rick to see how he was doing the other day I asked what he thought about helping again this years and he said I will help as long as I am able. So the second day of the ride will go from Laughlin to Albuquerque, NM.

Victor Lioce is also a New Mexico TAA State Coordinator and he is setting up a scenic route again for this years ride as it leaves Albuquerque.

I also talked to Rosanne Bianco who is with the Blue Star Mothers in Albuquerque. Rosanne has helped TAA for three years and she said she has on her 2008 calender a note that says to get a hold of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for the 2008 Proclamation making 9/11 a Recognition Day for all New Mexico’’s First Call Responders on 9/11/ 2008.

Tulsa, OK

Last year Joe Sewell talked to Barbara Porter, Treasure/Public Relations, Oklahoma Chapter 1, Blue Mothers of America and she contacted me and said they would like to help the riders. They did a super job of it to. This year they would like to be a part of TAA again.

Illinois

The Torches America Troy, IL members, Roger Alons, Fat Fred Dahlgren, Butch Clemings,
Mike Raymond, David Bloom, A.J. Kaufman, Giles Culver, Pappy Hessenauer, Cynthia Dashen,Gertia Kaufman, Linda Culver, Milt Edrington and Rodney Dunaway are all going to be working hard this year to make this ride possible.

As far as I am concerned all of TAA’s state coordinators, hosts and riders are super great people and I am very proud that you would like to see the ride continue.

The TAA ride will not have a main speaker this year because each and everyone of these hosts share the same kinds of feelings I do for the reason of this ride.

I have asked all of you to help in getting all last years shirts, pins and patches sold. It is a big expense to do these and when you do not sell them it works against the money you made from them. So instead of the money from the sales of these items going towards the new 9/11 memorial being built in Troy, IL it just goes to paying off what it cost to buy the shirts, pins and patches.

What I have been doing lately is asking people to buy a shirt and maybe a pin and patch a long with it and have TAA Troy, IL sent them to Barbara Porter. She and the other members of Oklahoma Chapter 1 Blue Star Mothers will sent them to our Armed Forces members over seas in their care packages.

Torches Across America Troy, Illions is a none profit organization so your orders are tax deductible. The address to send your orders to is:

Torches Across America
Milt Edrington
2509 Reveres Rt.
Granite City, IL 62040

Milt Edrington’’s e-mail address is; dingerdq@gmail.com and his phone number is; 618-540-0033.

The shirts are $15.00 and the pins and patches are $5.00 ea. There is no cost for shipping to Barbara or to you if you want them shipped to you inside the United States.

Remember one of the reasons we ride is to show support for these men and women in our Armed Forces. They are willing to give us the ultimate sacrifice any human can give to another human and that is their, life, if need be for our freedom.

Know matter what your thoughts are about the war, it should not keep you from saying thank you to all these supper men and woman and their families, who worry about them constantly while they are gone.

I have asked some of the TAA riders that belong to a nation wide organization to contact their national reps and ask if their organization would escort the TAA memorial walls this year because I will not be able to do it. I have offered to pay for the shipping of the memorial walls to California if they will do it.

Here is something that is funny in a way to me. Every year when I hear that the Vietnam Memorial Wall is coming by my area, motorcycle riders for miles around are asked if they would help escort it.

Well on the TAA ride we travel with two memorial walls. One has all the names of the victims of 9/11 on it. The second one has all the names of our, " Fallen Warriors Lost But Not Forgotten", on it that have died in the war with Afghanistan and Iraq. Both the war in Afghanistan and Iraq as you all know are the result of the 9/11 attach on America. And we also know they are still on going.

More riders will escort the Vietnam Memorial Wall than a memorial wall of a war that is being fought right now. I have heard two different reasons for this. The first one is, this war has lasted to long and we just want to stop hearing about it. The second reason is, 9/11 is over with so get on with your life.

So hears the funny part to me, if 9/11 is old news and they say we should get over it and get on with our lives, how old does that make the Vietnam War.

I ride for the Vietnam Memorial Wall because of respect. I also ride for the memorial walls of the victims of 9/11 and our "Fallen Warriors Lost But Not Forgotten" because of respect. Thank you Fat Fred for teaching me about the word respect.

Yes riding for these men women and children on all these memorial walls are about respect. I hate to say it but most Americans do not have that in them anymore it is mostly about ones self now.

The TAA ride is not about the destruction that happened on 9/11, it is about remembering the victims that died on 9/11, saying thank you to all of America’s First Call Responders for showing us how dedicated they are to protecting us, and showing support to all our Armed Forces members who willing to give us the ultimate sacrifice any human can give to another human and that is their, life, if need be for our freedom.

When we do this for them we are also letting their families know we care about them also. Here are some e-mails I have received in the past from family members of 9/11 victims;

Angie Rapoport; I think it is wonderful what you all do every year. I lost my father, Gerard Coppola, on 9/11. And, although, I don't have a bike, I do GREATLY appreciate your efforts. I remember driving into the city last year and seeing you coming in. It was amazing. I can't quite describe the feeling. But, I can say it did make me cry. And, I mean that in the best of ways. It was almost as if all of you were a part of my family and were grieving along with me. Thank you. Thank you all so much.
Angie was talking about the 2006 ride.

George A. Hentrique; To ride with and for my daughter Michelle who was killed in the South Tower. Could you please advise me where I could hook up with the ride on 9/10 going to ground zero.
George met us all at the Hoboken M/C Club House on the 2007 ride.

Judith A Kapp; Remembrance for my brother in law lost in Tower II, and show respect for all those in service and veterans.

We have also have had some military family members present at our hosts sites that have lost their son or daughter in the war in Afghanistan or Iraq. They are very sad but super happy knowing people are taking the time to remember their son or daughter and by name even.

We also have TAA riders whos sons our daughters have been or are stationed at this time in Afghanistan and Iraq. I thank all of you for being apart of TAA and may your sons and daughters return home safely.

Peter Frauenkron sent me this e-mail so maybe you might want to think about doing this. Thank you Peter.

'In Case of Emergency'
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency?
Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call.He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Have a great day
Gary Covert

"9/11, it's over with, get on with your life"

2007-09-09T04:58:00.000-05:00

Wrong thing to say to our Armed Forces families and to all the VFW and American Legion members.

For those of you that feel this way, the earth is going to stop at 12:30pm September 11, 2007 and you can all get off.

Are people in this country so self me that they can not see or understand that our Armed Forces are still in Afghanistan and Iraq because of 9/11.

My wife and I were at Walter Reed Army Medical Center yesterday evening and met with our countries finest and I tell you what, they are super.

Now these men and women have been injured in some way or another but they are very proud to have fought for their country. Not one of them complained about their injuries.

I talked to a few of them and the main comment from them was, we need to be fighting them over there because if we do not they will be attacking us over here.

They were not very happy about the fact anti war protesters were going to be rallying in Washington DC on September 15, 2007.

Milton Edrington, member of Troy, IL VFW Post 976 gave me one hundred Torches Across America Ride pens to give to our Armed Forces members while we were at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The mission was completed and I thank Milton very much for wanting them to have a ride pin.

I also want to thank Colonel Peter M. Garibaldi, Garrison Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center for making it possible for us to be with our Armed Forces members yesterday. They are our finest and we are very proud of them.

Remember everyone they are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice one human can give to another human and that is their life for you and me. It takes a mighty brave person to do this especially for someone they do not even know.

The scouts of Troy, IL and Roger Alons daughter designed the 2007 Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride logo

2007-07-27T07:02:00.000-05:00

The scouts of Troy, IL and Roger Alons daughter designed the 2007 Torches Across America logo and they did a great job.

I am very proud to say, this is what the scouts in Troy, IL and Roger Alons daughter want to be on our shirts, pins and patches this year for the 2007 TAA ride. I am going to wear mine proudly as we ride into Troy this year for all the scouts and Roger Alons daughter know how much I appreciate them for wanting to help Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride.

As you can see they are made up of the same true grit as their parents have in them. They are the heartland of America.

The price for the shirts will be $15.00, patches and pins $5.00 each. Now do not forget the money made from the sale of these items will go towards the 9/11 Memorial to be build in Troy, IL.

The 9/11 Memorial is not only in remembrance of the victims of 9/11 but it also pays tribute to all our Armed Forces members that have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are also 9/11 victims.

I will not be bring any shirts, pins or patches on the ride with me this year so you need to order them from Torches Across America, Troy. The address is;

Torches Across America
C/O Roger Alons
956 Weathervane
Troy, IL 62294

The City of Troy, Illinois has dedicated a piece of land in their city for the building of a 9/11 Memorial

2007-07-17T05:38:00.000-05:00

I am very proud to say that the Troy, Il City Council has set aside a piece of land in their city for a 9/11 Memorial to be built.

Troy, Il is not only the heartland of America but it is also the cross roads of America.

When the 9/11 Memorial is finished people traveling through America north or south east or west can stop and see this beautiful tribute to all of those that have lost their lives because of that very tragic day in our countries history.

Roger Altons, past President of the Troy, IL VFW Post 976 and VFW Post 976 member Butch Clemings, were very instrnmental in getting the City of Troy, IL involved in the 9/11 Memorial. They are super and I thank them very much.

The organization behind building the 9/11 Memorial in Troy, IL is called TAAT (Torches Across America Troy). If you would like to make a donation to help build the 9/11 Memorial please contact Roger Alons at; (618)667-3981, rotorhd669@msn.com. All donations are tax deductible.

I also thank Troy, Il Mayor Tom Caraker, Troy, Il City Council, residents of Troy, IL and the businesses of Troy, Il for wanting this 9/11 memorial in their city.

The design for the 9/11 Memorial comes from a 9/11 Memorial drawing by Paul Elam. As some of you have known him, he was Sergeant Paul Elam of the Moriarty, New Mexico Police Department. Last year Paul moved back to his home town of Tucumcari, NM and is no longer working for the Moriarty, NM Police Department.

I thank Paul’s 9/11 Memorial is very beautiful. Paul is a very gifted person and I think it was meant for his drawing to become a reality. I have one of his sketches that I am going to post but you really have to see it in person to see its beauty and feel the warmth from it.

I hope we can get a school in Tucumcari, New Mexico that has a class for making bronze statues, make two bronze statues needed for the 9/11 Memorial.

The two bronze statues are of a female and male solider passing a folded American Flag to each other and they would be placed just before the 9/11 Memorial. They are not in this sketch.

Here is one of Paul Elam’s sketches that he sent me;

This group of very special people put everything together for Torches Across America when the ride comes to Troy and Collinsville, Illinois. Also some of them belong to the TAAT (Torches Across America Troy) Organization in Troy, IL. They are truly super people and I thank them very much.

Top row from left to right; Fat Fred Dahlgren, Roger Alons, Butch Clemings, Mike Raymond, David Bloom, A.J. Kaufman, Giles Culver.

Bottom row from left to right; Pappy Hessenauer, Cynthia Dashen, Gertia Kaufman, Linda Culver, Milt Eddington and Rodney Dunaway.

Here is Fat Fred Dahlgren's pickup truck. As you can see Fat Fred is a member of the Patriot Guards. Fat Fred said the Patriot Guards in that area are very interested in the Torches Across America Ride. Fat Fred also said he will have 200 American Flags lined up when we arrive in Troy,IL

September 12, 2007 "Emergency Responder Day" in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

2007-06-17T06:29:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

As you all know I am very proud of each and every rider that rides with us on the Torches Across America Ride.

We all have a reason for being apart of the ride. And in this e-mail I am sending you today is something super special that Frank Kiehner has been able to do for all First Call Responders in the State of Pennsylvania .

I know Frank worked very hard to make this happen and as all of you can tell, Pennsylvania is very proud of their First Call Responders.

The wording in this resolution is excellent. Please read it slowly so every word can get your full attention.

Thank you ever so much Frank for what you have accomplished. I am looking forward to riding across America with you and you wife Lil this year.

Frank and his wife are doing some long rides Saturdays to condition their butts to handle the distance.

I give special thanks to Pennsylvania Representative, Stan Saylor. He was the main driving force in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to make this come about.

I also want to give special to all the other Pennsylvania Representatives for passing this resolution unanimously.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

Here is Frank's e-mail to all of us. I will put this on Gary 's Blog also.
http://www.torchesacrossamerica.blogspot.com/

Hi Group (especially Gary ),

In todays mail I received a Pa House resolution making Sept 12, 2007 "Emergency Responder Day" in the Commonwealth.

Had to pick the 12th as the 11th is already "Patriot's Day" in Pa.

The resolution goes as follows:

"In the House, June 5, 2007

Whereas, On September 11, 2001 Al Queda terrorists hijacked and
intentionally flew two planes into the twin towers of the World TradeCenter in Manhattan and hijacked and crashed a third aircraft into theUnited States Department of Defense headquarters at the Pentagon in Arlington County , Virginia ; and

Whereas, the first battle of the global war on terrorism took place in the skies over Somerset County , Pennsylvania , and was ultimately won by the heroism of the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who courageously fought to regain control of the plane and prevented further death and destruction; and

Whereas, These attacks clained nearly 3,000 innocent lives, including many emergency responders who unselfishly answered the call to duty; and

Whereas, On September 12, 2001, the emergency responder community of our great nation took pause to reflect upon the heroic efforts of their fellow emergency responders who were killed in the line of duty during the attacks of 9/11; and

Whereas, Their acts of courage and sacrifice for our country are worthy of acknowledgment and commendation, and they shall remain in our hearts and minds forever, their remembrance continuing to be passed on to future generations; therefore be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives designate September 12, 2007, as "Emergency Responder Day" in Pennsylvania , setting aside this day as a day of gratitude and profound respect for all past and present firefighters, public safety providers, ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians, emergency dispatchers, first responseteams, police officers and all emergencyand disaster responders in this Commonwealth and affirming that these heroes help our citizens every day in extraordinary ways.

"I received this card with the resolution,

"Dear Mr Kiehner, Thank you for contacting my office requesting the resolution declaring September 12, 2007, as Emergency Responder Day in Pennsylvania .

Enclosed is a certified copy of the resolution, House Resolution 215, which passed the House unanimously on June 5, 2007. Rep Stan Saylor

"I was not expecting to see this but was VERY surprised and proud to get it in the mail. I read it at my Fire Companies meeting this evening and they were impressed that the Commonwealth would do this for us.

See you in a little over 2 months.
Frank Kiehner

Nixa, Missouri 9/11 Resolution for all First Call Responders

2007-04-19T17:14:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I am very proud to say that the Nixa, Missouri Mayor, Doug Marrs and Nixa Board of Aldermen passed Resolution 2007-44 on April 9,2007 making 9/11 a Recondition Day for all First Call Responders.

All of us with Torches Across America thank all of you very much for doing this very specail deed.

I also want to give a special thank you to Coralee Patrick. She is the Nixa, Missouri City Clerk and a super person as well. She went the extra mile on this and it is appreciated by all of us.

Here is the Resolution;

RESOLUTION 2007 –44

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
OF THE CITY OF NIXA, MISSOURI
ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR
AS “RECOGNITION DAY” FOR
ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel; and

WHEREAS, First Call Responders – including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel – have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity.

NOW THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF NIXA, MISSOURI, that beginning in 2007, September 11th will be known as “Recognition Day” to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Passed and approved this 9th day of April, 2007.

DOUG MARRS
____________________________________
Mayor

ATTEST:

CORALEE PATRICK
________________________________
City Clerk

E-mail from Kevin Sweet who has just got out of the military and would like to be a part of TAA. We do not have officers we do have state coordinators

2007-03-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Hi,
Does this organizations have officers?
Do you have National officers - I just got out of the military and very
interested in becoming part of the team.
thanks
Kevin

My reply to Kevin;

Hi Kevin Sweet,

Thank you very much for your e-mail.

I know everyone that is involved with Torches Across America would be proud to read your e-mail also. So I am going to share it with them.

So where are you living now that you are out of the USMC?

Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride is just riders that ride the whole ride across America or just a few miles with us as we go through their area.

Torches Across America is not a ride for any charity. Money that is made by selling shirts, pins and patches go back into the cost of these items and if there is money left over it goes into other cost for the ride like the memorial walls we take with us and set up at every stop.

We have hosts that do something special for the riders in each of the cities we stop in.

We also have state coordinators in some states that help set things up with riders in their state and if there is a host in their state they also try and help them.

A state coordinators contacts as many motorcycle clubs and organization in their state as possible and lets them know about the ride. If any of them want to be a part of the ride the state coordinator makes sure we all meet up at the right time.

The state coordinator also helps a host if they are in his state by doing some of these things;

Contact any relatives of the 9/11 victims and see if they would like to be present so we can say something to them and they can speak to the riders.

Contact any active Armed Forces members in that area that would like to be present so we can say thank you to them.

Contact any family members of an Armed Forces member that was killed so they can be with us for we can tell them how much we appreciate them for their sacrifice.

Contact First Call Responders in the area and ask them to be present for we can say thank you to them.

We have other super people and riders that help in anyway they can. One person that comes to mind from the early days of the ride is Carol Lemons from Amarillo,TX. She offered to help any of the riders with information about the Amarillo area if they wanted it. I do not know much about Amarillo but with her help,riders could find out what they needed to know.

Carol has been very sick the past few year but she still offers to help TAA in anyway she can.

There are so many people like Carol that help TAA and I hope the ones I did not mention forgive me for not putting their names down at this time.

A goal we have set for the Torches Across America Ride is to get 9/11 to become a National Recognition Day for America's First Call Responders. Some of them thought it was going to happen after 9/11 but it did not.

Thanks to one of Kingman,AZ Mayors (Monica Gates), cities have followed her lead by passing a resolution making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their cities First Call Responders.

We have super state coordinators, host and riders. That is what makes being a part of TAA something special to me. It shows people can still come together for a great cause and money does not have to be in its center focus. The TAA ride is just from the heart.

A society in this world can not exist without a heart and people that help put TAA together and the riders on it have super big hearts.

The TAA ride does not have big name super stars on it and I do not know why. What I do know is that some rides do and the big stars expect them to pay for their expenses because of the use of their names to generate money for their cause.

So I guess you could say we are the ride from across the tracks or just a plain Jane ride that has a super big heart.

If you would like to be a part of TAA we would love to have you.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

Dean Thompson, President of 911 Flight Crew Memorial Foundation

2007-02-18T11:35:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Dean Thompson sent me an e-mail and gave me this web address to go to; www.911flightcrewmemorial.org . I went there and sent him this letter.

Hi Dean Thompson,

I was not aware of the 911 Flight Crew Memorial.

On 9/11 my wife was very worried because her son is a captain for AA. It took a couple of days to find out he was still at home when it happened and I think they told him to just stay home that day.

My wife and I will send in a donation for the 911 Flight Crew Memorial and I will put a post on Gary's Blog ( http://torchesacrossamerica.blogspot.com/ ) and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Torchesacrossamerica/ about the 911 Flight Crew Memorial.

I would like all of the 911 Flight Crew Memorial Board members to help Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Riders get a resolution passed by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth Texas to make 9/11 a day of Recognition for their cities First Call Responders please.

Go to this Torches Across America web site page and you can see which cities have passed the resolution and how to go about asking the city to do it. My way of doing it is to go and ask at a city council meeting. Some just contact the city manager/administrator.

At this time I am working with some of the business in our home town area to invite America's First Call Responders to be here in Branson, Missouri on and around 9/11 so we can say thank you to them while were are saying thank you to our local First Call Responders.

See in my area of Missouri six cities have passed a resolution making 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders.

The Torches Across America Ride remembers all the victims of 9/11all the way up to 2007 with our Fallen Warriors.

Ever since the the ride took place in 2002 we have always rode across America with a 9/11 Memorial Wall with the names of all the victims on it. Flight Crews and passengers are listed under each flight number that went down that day.

A couple of years ago we started bringing the Fallen Warriors Memorial Wall with us. A lot of people think because there is nothing blowing up or people being killed here in America that 9/11 is over and lets forget it and move on. 9/11 is not over, the war has just transferred to their part of the world. With this in mind all the members of our Armed Forces that have died in Afghanistan and Iraq should be included on the list of victims of 9/11.

If anyone from the 911 Flight Crew Memorial Board would like to speak to the TAA riders while we spend the night in Amarillo, TX this year, they would be more than welcome.

We will be staying at the Amarillo Holiday Inn on the evening of Monday, September 3, 2007.
At this time I have said we would have dinner at the Big Texan Steak Ranch Restaurant but I think I am going to change that to a casual dinner by the pool at the Holiday Inn. We do not get much support in Texas for the ride so this year we can stay with each other by the pool and know we care and remember.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

DEAN THOMPSON wrote:
Gary;
I'm not sure you are aware of the memorial we are building in the Dallas Fort Worth area for the 33 Flight Crew Members who died on the 4 flights. If you go to our website www.911flightcrewmemorial.org you will find complete information. It is our hope to dedicate this memorial this upcoming year on 9/11/2007.Dean Thompson, President9/11 Flight Crew Memorialwww.911flightcrewmemorial.org

Banner showing the hosts for the 2006 Torches Across America in Cambridge, OH

2006-12-29T12:05:00.000-06:00

I thank Dana Rush, Sales Director for the Cambridge, OH Holiday INN for making all this possible. I should of had this picture posted a long time ago.

Also are some of the Taa riders.

2007 Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride schedule

2006-12-28T19:40:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone here is what I have of the 2007 ride schedule so far.

I have changed the motel we will be staying at before the ride starts in Oceanside, CA. Instead of staying at the Ramada Limited in Oceanside, CA we will be staying at the San Marcos, CA Ramada Limited, 517 San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos CA 92069. Their phone number is (760) 471-2800. I have not set anything up with them yet but I did make my reservations with Allstays.

I was able to get a room rate of $59.00 plus 10% tax from the Allstays web site. Allstays web site address is www.allstays.com. My wife and I will be staying there from 8/30 - 9/1.

I found out that the Ramada Limited in Oceanside was going to sock it to everyone on the price, me included. So I decided to just drop them.

Remember everyone this is Labor Day weekend so make your reservations now even if your just thinking about being on the ride. You can always cancel them later if you do not want to go on the ride.

September 1, 2007

Saturday, September 1st; which is (Labor Day weekend) leave from Kennedy’s Custom Cycle in Oceanside, CA and ride to Kingman, AZ. 379 miles

Please remember we lose one hour of travel time on this days ride because of time the change.

8:00am; the Memorial Service and blessing of the bikes will start at Kennedy’s Custom Cycles, 3028 San Louis Rey Rd, Oceanside, CA 92054, (760) 967-5883. Our host in Oceanside is Bill Kennedy and some CMA members working with Bill..

9:00am; we will leave from Kennedy’s Custom Cycles and ride to Victorville, CA.

11:30am; we will arrive at Victorville Harley-Davidson,14522 Valley Center Dr., Victorville, CA 92392, (760) 951-1119, for a Memorial Service and Lunch. Our host in Victorville is Cary & Marianne Fisher owners of Victorville Harley-Davidson. This ride means a lot to Cary because he is a retired firefighter from NYC.

1:00pm; we will leave from Victorville Harley-Davidson and ride to Kingman, AZ.

6:30pm; we will arrive at the Kingman, AZ VFW Post 10386. Located at 2985 E. John L. Ave, Kingman, AZ 86409, (928) 757 - 7192, for a Memorial Service and Dinner. We will pay for our own dinners. Our host in Kingnam is the Kingman VFW Post 10386. Great people, 2006 year was the first year they hosted us and they only had a couple of weeks to put it together.

The evening of September 1, 2006.
Kingman, AZ. The Travelodge, 3275 E Andy Devine Ave., Kingman, AZ 86401, is where my wife and I will be staying. Rooms 1 to 2 people $50.00 plus tax and rooms for 2 to 4 people $60.00 plus tax. Their phone number is (928) 757-1188 and tell them your with the Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride. If you have any problems making your reservation ask for Carol, she is the manager. They fill up on Labor Day weekend so make your reservations early.

September 2, 2007

Sunday, September 2nd; we will leave from Kingman, AZ at 7:00am and ride to Albuquerque, NM. 466 miles

3:00pm; everyone needs to be at the TA Truck Stop (Travel Center of America Truck Stop) in Gallup, NM (505) 863-6801. You take Exit 16 off I- 40 east. Turn left when getting off of the exit ramp and as you go up the street the TA Truck Stop is on your right. Riders need to be fueled and ready to go by 3:30 pm.

3:30pm; we will leave from the TA Truck Stop and be escort by Cyber to the Rt. 66 Travel Center/ Casino Exit I- 40 off I - 40.

5:30pm; we will arrive at the Rt.66 Travel Center. Riders need to get fueled and be ready to go by 6:15pm. At this time the Albuquerque, NM Blue Knights VI and Albuquerque Fraternal Order of Police Lodge I, will be our host. They have arranged for the New Mexico State Police to escort us into Albuquerque.

6:15pm; the New Mexico State Police will escort us into Albuquerque. The last couple of year they have escorted us to the Albuquerque Fraternal Order of Police Lodge I. But this year the Lodge might be under new construction so I will let you know later where they are going to escort us two.

7:00pm Memorial Service and Dinner will start. Our host in Albuquerque are the Albuquerque Blue Knights VI, Albuquerque Fraternal Order of Police, Graham Central Station and the Dawn Patrol. All our host in Albuquerque are super and all the riders appreciate them.

Evening of September 2, 2007

We will be spending the night in Albuquerque, NM and I will tell you where later.

September 3, 2007

Monday, September 3rd; we will leave from Albuquerque, NM and ride to Amarillo TX. 289 miles

Please remember we lose one hour of travel time on this days ride because of time the change.

We will start our day as we did on the 2006 ride. So bring your cameras.

Craig Kennedy said the Dawn Patrol will start setting up their hot air balloons no later then 5:15am and will take to the air at 5:45am. So we will stage at the FOP at 4:30am. We will be escorted at 4:45am to Balloon Park for the "Pre-Dawn Patrol".
What they are doing on the morning of September 4, 2006 is of great significance:

1) They will be doing their version of a candle light visual for all the men, women and children that died on 9/11 and for the men and women in our Armed Forces that have died fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. When the gas heats up the air inside the balloons the balloons will shine brightly in the skies above Albuquerque.

2) When the morning sun starts to shine it will represent the bright side that always follows a dark moment. Sometimes a dark moment in time can feel like a life time but inevitably the bright side emerges.
On 9/11 America was in the state of shock and despair but during the days after 9/11 that was slowly being uplifted because of the how proud we were of America’s First Call Responders. America became united more so then it ever had been before. That is the bright side of 9/11 and it is all because of America’s First Call Responders.

3) Their taking to the air will be the kick off for all the 9/11 events planned for the State of New Mexico. It will also let every First Call Responder in New Mexico know that Governor Bill Richardson has made 9/11 "First Call Responders Recognition Day" in New Mexico. We hope he will do it again in 2007.

A member of the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association, Kevin Cloney, told me that every year since 9/11 the AAAA has given rides to First Call Responders on the Saturday before 9/11. That is really super of them.

6:30am we will leave Balloon Park and go on a escorted scenic ride to Amarillo TX.

Last year Victor Lioce wanted to take us to the Albuquerque Vietnam Memorial so I am hoping he will offer to do it again this year as part of our scenic route. Victor is a member of the Santa Fe, NM Blue Knights II.

While on the scenic route we will be going through Santa Fe, NM and it is a very beautiful city. Did you know they have an escalator in Santa Fe. Funny thing is, it only goes up. You have to take the stairs to come back down. They have a great Mexican restaurant on that upper floor maybe we can eat lunch there.

We have no set time to be in Amarillo, TX. We can all eat dinner at the famous “The Big Texan Steak Ranch Restaurant” in Amarillo, TX. The time will be decided on when we arrive in Amarillo.

Evening of September 3, 2007

We will be staying at the Amarillo Holiday Inn and I will tell you about it later.

September 4, 2007

Tuesday, September 4th; we will leave Amarillo, TX and ride to Tulsa, OK. 367 miles

I will get with Joe Sewell and see what were going to do on Tuesday.

We will be having a Memorial Service and Dinner at the Tulsa American Legion Post 308 at 7:00pm. Our host in Tulsa is the Tulsa American Legion post 308. Great people and they have been hosting us since the 2002 TAA ride.

Evening of September 4, 2007

We will be staying at the Tulsa Econo Lodge and I will tell you more about it later.

September 5, 2007

Wednesday September 5th; we will leave Tulsa, OK and ride to Branson, MO. 226 miles

We might be riding to Branson on a scenic route, will let you know later. I need to ride it to see how long it will take.

There are six cities in the Branson, MO area that have made 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders and by us coming to the Branson area we will help get their communities ready for it.

We do need to be in Branson before 5:00pm. This way we can check into our motel before going to the Bart Rockett Theater for the Bart Rockett show at 5:00pm.

Bart Rockett is dedicating his show to the areas First call Responders and Armed Forces members. Not long after Branson passed the resolution making 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders Bart Rockett dedicated a show for them and when I asked if he would do it again he said yes. He not only said he would do it but all the entertainers that put on shows at his theater said they would do a dedication show also.

The Branson Brother’s will dedicate their 8:00pm show and the Motown Experience is going to dedicate their morning show.

The cost for our admission is $10.00 per person per show and a canned food item would also be greatly appreciated. I thank it is great what they are doing for the areas First Call Responders and Armed Forces members. I will be at all three shows.

Evening of September 5, 2007

We will be spending the night in Branson, MO and I will tell you where later.

September 6, 2007

Thursday, September 6th; we will leave from Branson, MO and ride to Troy, IL. 276 miles

4:30 to 5:00pm we will meet at a prearranged location on the west side of St. Louis, MO for an escorted ride by the Missouri State Highway Patrol to the Illinois state line. We will then be escorted by the Illinois State Police to the first exit in Illinois so we can join up with other riders from the area before being escorted to Troy, Il Civic Park for a Memorial Service and Dinner hosted by the Troy, Il VFW Post 976.

7:00 the Memorial Service will start at Civic Park followed by a dinner and a band..

The City of Troy, Il and other area cities and organizations around Troy have join together in honoring their cities First Call Responders and Armed Forces members. (Go to the “Thank You” page on the www.torchesacrossamerica.com web site and you can see who helped with the Memorial Service and Dinner last year in Troy.

This is the biggest Memorial Service and Dinner put together by a city we stop at on our way to the east coast. When you experience this Memorial Service and Dinner you can see why they say mid America is the heart land of America.

They are real super people and were blessed to have them. Our host in Troy, Il is the Troy VFW Post 976 and many others. Roger Alons a member of the Troy VFW Post 976 works very hard to get all these people together to put this event on.

Please go to the “Photos” page on the www.torchesacrossamerica.com web site and see the pictures taken in Troy. It will give you a warm feeling inside.

Evening of September 6, 2007

We will be spending the night in Troy, IL and I will tell you where later.

September 7, 2007

Friday, September 7th; we will leave Troy, IL and ride to Cambridge, OH. 483 miles

Please remember we lose one hour of travel time on this days ride because of time the change.

6:00am to 7:00am breakfast at the Troy, IL VFW 976.

7:00am leave the VFW and ride to the Love’s Truck Stop on the east side of Zanesville, OH and be there by 6:30pm. It is on I - 70 East Exit 160.

7:00pm; we will have an escorted ride into Cambridge, OH and arrive at Wal-Mart in Cambridge, OH, 61216 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, OH 43725. The phone number is (740)439-5743

7:30pm; Mayor/City Council's Fire/Police festivities start. There will be things to eat after the Festivities.

This is the second biggest Memorial Service put together by a city we stop at on our way to the east coast. You can tell were still in the heart land of America during this cities Memorial Service and Recognition to its areas First Call Responders and Armed Forces members.

Our hosts last year in Cambridge, OH was the Holiday Inn, Wal-Mart, Dunning Motor Sales, Free Mason's of OH, Speedy Print and Xango and it was organized by Dana Rush, Sales Director of the Cambridge Holiday Inn.

Evening of September 7, 2007

Cambridge, OH The Holiday Inn 2248 Southgate Parkway Cambridge, OH 43725 is where my wife and I will be staying. Room for 1 to 4 people $59.00 plus tax. It includes a hot breakfast and coffee. Their phone number is (740)432-7313 and tell them your with the Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride.

September 8, 2007

Saturday,September 8th; we will leave Cambridge, OH and ride to Washington DC. 340 miles

As of now what my plans are, is that when we arrive in Washington DC we will go straight to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I will tell you the time later.

Evening of September 8, 2007

We will be spending the night in the Washington DC area and I will tell you where later.

September 9, 2007

Sunday, September 9th; we will leave from Washington DC. and ride to New York City. 224 miles

On Sunday morning we will start off our day joining Rex Howke and the "9-11 Rattle the Runway Ride" and ride from the Dulles International Airport to the Pentagon for a Memorial Service. I will tell you the time later.

After the “9-11 Rattle the Runway Ride” we will go see the Pentagon then head for NYC.

This year we are going to ride into the city. When we did the TAA ride in 2002 we rode the ferry into NYC. At the last part of the 2006 TAA ride there was a riders meeting in Bedford, PA and the riders said they would like to ride the ferry into NYC on the 2007 TAA ride. At this time I am trying to set everything up.

Evening of September 9, 2007

Triple E is trying to set us up with accommodations in New Jersey that will be close to ferry and subway access form the motel. It will cost us more but once you park your bikes at the motel you will not have to ride anywhere to just catch the ferry or subway into NYC.

September 10, 2007

Monday, September 10th; we will leave from New Jersey and ride to Somerset, PA. 303 miles

Peter Torchia & Pam Waller were on the ride last year and Peter is helping us get a host in Somerset this year. Peter grew up in this part of Pennsylvania and knows a lot of people in the area. When Peter tells me the plans for Somerset I will let you know.

Evening of September 10, 2007

We will be Soending the night in Somerset, PA and I will tell you where later.

September 11, 2007

Tuesday, September 11th; we will start our morning at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel then we will go to the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville.

I am leaving all the arrangements for this day up to the CMA members. They did a great job last year and I have asked them to help plan it this year. They know where were best needed and at what times.

After the Memorial Services are over on September 11th that will be the end of the ride. My wife and I will spend the night at the same motel we stayed in on the evening of September 10th in Somerset, PA. At this time I am still working on that motel.

Thank you Janice at Bikers USA (www.bikersmag.com) she just sent me this

2006-12-20T11:04:00.000-06:00

First off, I thank Janice very much for doing this. It is a big complement for everyone that helps put the Torches Across America Ride together.

Motorcycle events companies do a great service for the Motorcycle Community and I can not thank Bikers USA enough for what they have done for Torches Across America.

Hi Gary,

I'm putting together a full page for you and will do some posts at some of the different states pages also. The full page will have maps of all the cities you're stopping at. I'm still working on it, but I think the url will be www.bikersmag.com/html/torches_across_america.html and it will be in the Bike Week section, because thats' where I list the major events.

I'm sure you, personally, are all set for maps, but for everyone else, would it be helpful if I put together one map which links to all the others, like I always do for Run for the Wall ? http://bikersusa.com/maps/rftw-southern.html
The maps themselves would probably be at the www.hotelmapsusa.com site, but I could probably put a primary map at either bikersusa.com or hotelmapsusa.com

Looks like everyone had a great ride in 2006 !

Janice

Bikers USA at www.bikersmag.com

Date change for the begining of the ride. It will start on September 1st not the 2nd.

2006-12-19T18:22:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

The starting of the 2007 ride is being changed to September 1, 2007 instead of September 2, 2007.

The reason for this is because I want to show off my hometown area which has at this time six cities that have passed resolutions making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their cities First Call Responders.

I have talked to Bart Rockett the owner of the Bart Rockett Theater and on September 5th and 6th when we are in Branson, MO the shows at his theater are going to dedicate their shows to the areas First Call Responders and Armed Forces members.

There are three shows we can attend and the cost per show would be $10.00 per person.

I am also working with others in the area in hopes more theaters in the area will do something for our countries First Call Responders and Armed Forces members.

Albuquerque the morning the Dawn Patrol gave their version of a candlelight visual honoring the victims of 9/11 and our Fallen Warriors part 1

2006-12-19T17:52:00.000-06:00

Here are some of New Mexico's best that escorted us that morning.

When putting the hot are into the balloon you can just kick back and!!!

Looks more like a snake than a balloon in the next two pictures.

Albuquerque the morning the Dawn Patrol gave their version of a candlelight visual honoring the victims of 9/11 and our Fallen Warriors part 2

2006-12-15T14:46:00.000-06:00

Something really super happend that morning that the riders did not expect and that was they were asked if they would like to help put some of the balloons together.

So in these pictures you will see balloonist and riders working together to create this wonderful hot air balloon style candlelight visual. It was a great site to see.

Article in the River Valley Times about TAA written by Suzanne Schneider

2006-11-26T10:54:00.000-06:00

River Valley Times serving Rancho Murieta, Sloughhouse & Wilton California (Sunday’s Internet Edition, November 26, 2006).

Wilton residents ride motorcycles across country

Photo courtesy to River Valley Times
Steve and Jo Burcher of Wilton prepare to embark on their cross-country trip to New York City. The couple participated in the ride as part of Torches Across America, which honors the victims and first responders of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

By Suzanne Schneider
Special to River Valley Times

Wilton residents Jo and Steve Burcher participated in a cross-country motorcycle ride from September 2 through September 11, traveling from to New York City, NY as part of Torches Across America (TAA).

The event is to make sure people do not forget what happened on September 11, 2001. Motorcyclists participate in an annual cross-country ride to show their respect for everyone who lost their lives on 9-11. They ride to continue to support the families and to honor the nation’’s first responders.

This ride is unique in that there are no donations, there is no political message and there are no requests for donations.

A core group of approximately 25 motorcyclists, including the Burcher’s, rode from the west to New York City.
Motorcyclists from each city where the group stopped for the night would join the core group, swelling the numbers to more than 100 motorcyclists. With so many motorcyclists, it was important to have a law enforcement escort into each city.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #1 provided an escort for 10 miles. Not only did they have lights and sirens, they actually shut down all traffic so that the TAA riders had the interstate to themselves.

From Albuquerque, the ride continued to Amarillo, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. From Tulsa, the group headed to Troy, Illinois.

In Troy, the streets were lined with many citizens –– most of whom were waving American flags. The parade continued to the city park where both sides of the road were lined with Cub Scouts holding flags and saluting the motorcyclists.

From Troy, the ride continued to Cambridge, Ohio and on to Leighton, Pennsylvania. On September 9, the riders headed for New Hope, New Jersey and joined 1,000 motorcycles on their September 11 Memorial Ride to New York City.

Many law enforcement officers escorted the group across the bridges, through the tunnels to Manhattan, past Ground Zero, and on to Brooklyn, NY. At Brooklyn, the New Jersey group joined 3,000 other motorcyclists for the September 11 tribute.

The final day of the cross-country ride was in Somerset County, PA to attend the September 11 tribute to the passengers and crew of Flight 93. The weather was as somber as the event. After all the speeches by the dignitaries were complete, the name of each soul lost on Flight 93 was read aloud as a bell tolled.

The Flight 93 memorial is a National Park Service site. There are granite memorial plaques and 20 memorial wooden benches. Each bench faces the crash site and has the names of two crash victims engraved into it.

One of the California riders, who was unable to attend the final day, had known Flight 93 passenger Nicole Miller as she was growing up and requested a photo of the tribute bench with her name.

The Burchers, and the other cyclists, made this trip to convey the message to never forget September 11, to honor and support the first responders and remember military personnel and their families. The riders are hoping this will result in a National First Responders Recognition Day.

California Congressman Mike Thompson entered into the Congressional Record a request that this nation recognize the sacrifices of the First Call Responders.

For more information about Torches Across America go to: www.torchesacrossamerica.com.

Thank you Colonel Peter M. Garibaldi for inviting us back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center next year

2006-10-04T12:21:00.000-05:00

This is a group shot of some of the riders patients and family members. Between the two wheel chairs in the second row is Colonel Peter M. Garibaldi and his wife Essie with my wife in between them.

Colonel Peter M. Garibaldi is the Garrison Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center

In front of them is Mrs Irving who is in charge of getting groups like ours into Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Colonel Garibaldi and his wife were super and I thank them very much for taking the time to be with us during our visit. He told us that he expected us back next year and would like us to put up the Memorial Walls.

Our group had a wonderful time with the patients and their families. I like hearing the comments from the riders after our visits at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. You can tell they have come away from there different people.

I feel it to be an honor to be asked to come back next year. Thank you very much Colonel Garibaldi.

Someone let Brian ride his bike.

I thank all of you for making the 2006 Torches Across America possible

2006-09-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

These cities mayor’s have passed a resolution making every 9/11 from now on a “Recognition Day” for their cities First Call Responders

Mayor Dave G. Tate, Hollister, Missouri

Mayor Gary P. Conway, Kimberling City, Missouri

Mayor Jim Wood, Oceanside, California

Mayor Karl A. Smith, Forsyth, Missouri

Mayor Martin J. Chavez, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mayor Michael J. Muchowski, Township of Florence, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey

Mayor Monica Gates, Kingman, Arizona

Mayor Pro-Tem Paul E. Lear, Reeds Spring, Missouri

Mayor Robert L. Rumfelt, Lakeport, California

Mayor Thomas H. Nagel, Fairborn, Ohio

Mayor Tom Caraker Sr., Troy, Illinois

City Council of Branson West, Missouri

Mayor Samuel A. Salupo, Cambridge, Ohio

Mayor Louis E. Schaefer, Branson, MO

Mayor Laurene West, Santa Clarita, CA

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, has proclaimed 9/11 “First Call Responders Recognition Day” for all First Call Responders in New Mexico for 2005 and 2006

Special Recognition:

Mike Mohn; { Guest Speaker for the 2006 Torches Across America's 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride }

Les Knauer; { Web Page Designer ~ WebMaster for the 2006 Torches Across America's 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride }

Marge Covert; devoted wife of Gary Covert [TAA's Nat'l Coordinator] plus her dedication & support for the 2006 Torches Across America's 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride

States Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride travels through:

California:

State Coordinators:

Mike Lee and Wayne Forester

Core Group Helping:

Theresa Mohn, Michele Little, Peter & Roseanne Nash, Glen Ottman

Host:

Kennedy’’s Custom Cycles, Oceanside, California

Victorville, Harley-Davidson, Victorville, CA

Doing Something Special:

Chick-Fil-A Oceanside, California Owner, Jason provided breakfast for TAA Riders prior to departure on Sat; Sept 2nd.

Arizona:

Host:

VFW Post 10386 Kingman, Arizona

Doing Something Special:

"Untouchables, Kingman, AZ ~ donated a hundred dollars worth of Torches Across America pins and patches, shirts to be given to our Armed Forces Members at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC.

New Mexico:

State Coordinators:

Rick Parsons & Paul Elam

Host:

Fraternal Order of Police Albuquerque New Mexico Lodge I

The Blue Knights New Mexico VI and Blue Knights New Mexico II are putting everything together.

Doing Something Special:

New Mexico State Police

Albuquerque, New Mexico Motor Officers

Albuquerque, New Mexico Fire Department

Moriarty, New Mexico Police Department

Blue Star Mothers, Albuquerque

Graham Central Station, Albuquerque

Jim (Cyber) Grant escorted us from Gallup, NM to the Route 66 Truck Stop and Casino

Rosanne Bianco for her help at the FOP

Dawn Patrol, Albuquerque www.officialDawnPatrol.com

Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association www.balloonfiesta.com

Kevin Cloney, President of Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association 2004~2006 www.balloonfiesta.com

Craig Kennedy, Dawn Partol Coordinator, Craig flies the “Intel” balloon during Albuquerque International Ballon Fiesta www.officialDawnPatrol.com

Janie Jordon, field operations Balloon Fiesta Park

“SKYANGEL” Pilots, Keith and Tina Reeves arranged and participated in our ride to Balloon Fiesta Park. www.tinareeves.com

Participating Dawn Patrol Balloons and Pilots;

“Athena” Pilot, Kris Econopouly, hotairboy@aol.com

“Dawn 1” Pilot, Craig Kennedy 505-831-3789

“Enchanted Princess” Pilots, Dr. Don Bonney and Alan Wynn

“Her Highness” Pilot, Clare Wade-Callihan

“Higher love” Pilot, Jim Holley, 1-800-HOTAIR1

“RoadrunnerVII” Pilots, Tom Skidmore and Don Robertson, hotair1@swcp.com

“Sunshine’s Ride” Pilot, Kevin Cloney, 505-281-2352

Texas:

State Coordinator:

Danny Bettis

Doing Something Special:

Holiday Inn Amarillo, Texas

Oklahoma:

State Coordinator:

Joe Sewell

Host:

American Legion Post 308

Doing Something Special:

Oklahoma City, Motor Officers

Oklahoma City, Fire Department

Kari Watkins, Executive Director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial

Leon Gillum, Security Director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial)

Lincoln County, Oklahoma Sheriff Department

Sapulpa, Oklahoma Police Department

Missouri:

State Coordinator:

Gary Covert; {Also: Torches Across America's National Coordinator }

Doing Something Special

Missouri State Troopers

Torches Across America web server, Dependable Internet, Springfield, MO www.dpnd.net/

9/11 Memorial Wall Designed by, Paul York, York Design Group, Springfield, MO www.yorkdesigngroup.com/

Fallen Warriors Memorial Wall Designed by, Jason Wyatt, Sr. Graphic Designer at Dynamic Printing, Hollister, MO www.dynamicprinting1.com/ 417-332-8338

Eric Willis, Operations Director, Dynamic Printing, Hollister, MO for the printing of the 9/11 Memorial Wall and Fallen Warriors Memorial Wall www.dynamicprinting1.com/ 417-332-8338

Painted the Torches Across America Trike, Curry’s Hot Rods and Hot Bikes, Branson, MO www.curryshotrods.com/

Graph designs on the Torches Across America Trike by, Nathan Curry www.curryshotrods.com/

Torches Across America ride shirts printed by, Remark, Branson, MO 417-334-0419

Unique Supporters:

Angelo’’s Hair Modem, Kimberling City, MO

Boomerang Resorts, Branson, MO

Cruisin 66, Springfield, MO

Flash Photo, Branson, MO

Missouri Cajun Market Place, Branson West, MO

Stone County Cycle, Branson West, MO

Ozark Trophy, Kimberling City, MO

Illinois:

State Coordinator:

Roger Alons, VFW Post 976 Commander

Host:

VFW Post 976

American Legion Post 708 Troy, IL

Doing Something Special:

Tina Sandridge, Alton, IL Harley-Davidson, Activities Officer

Dave Weber, Alton, Illinois, H.O.G. Chapter Activities Officer

Illinois Highway Patrol

Troy City Band under the direction of Bob Rosier

St. Jeromes’’ Choir

Ohio:

State Coordinator:

Les Knauer; {Also: Torches Across America's Web Page Designer ~ WebMaster:}

Doing Something Special:

Donna Rush, Holiday Inn, Cambridge, OH

Dunnings Motor Sales, Cambridge, OH

Wall-Mart, Cambridge, Ohio

Free Mason’s, of Ohio

Speedy Print, Cambridge, Ohio

Xango, Cambridge, Ohio

Nancy Knauer, for the many things she did for us and for helping John Norcio

Jim & Karla Bevens, owners of JJ Trikes “n” Things, www.jjtrikesnthings.com . They really went out of there way to help John Norcio while he was in the hospital and helping him get ready for his trip back to California

CMA members that visited John Norico at the London, Ohio Hospital

Pennsylvnia:

Host:

Reds Knights PA 18, Lehighton, PA

Frank Strouse, President Red Knights PA 18. Frank also does a web page called Motorcycle Roads.US www.motorcycleroads.us

Bruce Koch, Red Knights PA 18. This ride meant a lot to Bruce last year and he asked if we could maybe spend the evening in his home area of Lehighton during the 2006 ride. So this stop is all your fault Bruce. LOL

Doing Something Special:

Blocker Harley- Davidson Motorcycle Dealership, Parryville, PA

Bowmanstown, PA Fire House

Angelo Carile, New Century HOG, 9/11 Ride to Shanksville, PA
SEPT11MEMORIALRIDE.html

Steve Plank, for help in Washington, DC and a great escort from Bedford, PA to crash site 93 in Shanksville, PA

New Jersey:

Host:

Tramontin Harley-Davidson, Hope, New Jersey is a host for the 911Memorial Run put together by Tattoo Bob. And at this time we join them on the ride to NYC and Brooklyn NY. The ride at this time is known as the 9/11 Memorial Run

Hoboken M.C. has invited us to a 9/11 Memorial Pasta Dinner at the Hoboken M.C. Club House in Jersey City, New Jersey. We know the food is great because this is the third time we have been there

Some of the clubs and riders that work very hard
to make this part of the ride as smooth as silk
for the riders

911 Memorial Run Coordinator, Tattoo Bob, 911memorialrun.com
Red Knights New Jersey 14

Angels of Fire M.C.

Wild Pigs M.C.

Axemen M.C.

American Firefighters M.C.

Brooklyn H.O.G.

Kathi Bedard Red Knights NJ 14

Fred Beard Red Knights NJ 14

Mike Peoples, President Red Knights NJ 14

Animal, Hoboken M.C.

Triple E, Hoboken M.C.

Angel, Hoboken, M.C.

New York:

Host:

Brooklyn Harley-Davidson is a host for the 911Memorial Run put together by Tattoo Bob
and while we are there the ride is known as the 9/11 Memorial Run

Brooklyn H.O.G. Chapter

I thank Tattoo Bob very much for letting us be a part of the 911Memorial Run this year
on September 9th and 11th. This will be the fifth year for his ride

Washington DC:

Doing Something Special:

Pentagon Police

Arlington, Virginia Fire Department
9/11 "Rattle the Runway Ride"
http://www.rattletherunwayride.com/

Tom Grove, for a great escort form the Pentagon to Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Col Peter M. Garibaldi and his wife Essie, Garrison Commander Walter Reed Army Medical
Center

Ms Irving, Walter Reed Army Medical Center

States that are NOT on the Torches Across America's Ride Route:

Oregon:

State Coordinator:

Don Snyder; {Also: Great Ride Captain for Torches Across America's 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride:}

Donna Rush's pictures for the morning leaving Cambridge, OH September 8, 2006

2006-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Donna Rush's pictures for the evening in Cambridge, Ohio September 7, 2006

2006-09-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

Branson Missouri has made 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders

2006-09-21T09:04:00.000-05:00

Branson Missouri has made 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders.

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-ROO4

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER 11 AS FIRST CALL RESPONDERS
RECOGNITION DAY.

WHEREAS, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of more than
3,000 innocent victims including fire fighters, law enforcement officers and emergency
medical services personnel doing heroic rescue operations at the World Trade Center; and

WHEREAS, in states, counties and communities across our nation First Call Responders --
including law enforcement, fire fighters and emergency medical services personnel -
continually provide high levels of protection and public service; and

WHEREAS, these First Call Responders unselfishly risk their lives in answering emergency
situations to save property and lives; and :

WHEREAS, these heroes of our community deserve the recognition for their commitment
and personal sacrifice, and for preserving the peace and well-being of all; and

WHEREAS, the Branson Board of Aldermen recognizes the importance of having these
men and women of this distinct caliber in our city to make it a safe and secure place to live,
work and visit;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF
ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BRANSON, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1: That each September 11 be proclaimed as "First Call Responders Recognition
Day'~ in Branson, Missouri recognizing all First Call Responders

Section 2: That this resolution shall be in effect from and after its adoption.

Read, passed and truly agreed 'to by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Branson, Missouri, on
this 13th day of February, 2006.

ATTEST: RM:
Resolution No. 2006-ROO4
Page 1 of 1

Sorry to say that Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey did not pass a resolution making 9/11 a Recognition Day for their First Call Responders

2006-09-21T08:43:00.000-05:00

I told everyone before the ride that Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey were going to make 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders and the mayors of these cities would be present on the evening of September 9, 2006 for the Pasta Memorial Dinner at the Hoboken M/C Club House.

Well none of this happened. My mistake sorry about that.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

Hi everyone I am sorry to say I can not put pictures on Blogger

2006-09-03T07:49:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

For some reason everytime I go to up load a picture on blogger it does not load. I will have to find another way to get the pictures up.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

Leaving Oceanside, CA September 2, 2006

2006-09-03T00:37:00.000-05:00

September 1, 2006 pictures of us leaving San Diego, CA with the World Memorial.

2006-09-01T18:42:00.000-05:00

Mike and Theresa Mohn before leaving San Diego for Oceanside, CA.

Group picture.

John Norico pointing out the name of Nicole Miller who died September 11, 2001 on United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA. Nicole Miller was a neighbor of John's years ago and used to play with John's kids.

Brus Messinger President and Founder of the World Memorial with artist Kathleen (Katon) Tonnesen. Kathleen Built the Art Exhibit "Release of Souls" that is going to be exhibited in NYC on September 11, 2006.

Mike Mohn.

Bruce Cartelli on the left and his wife Lesia in pink on the right.

Marge Covert and Theresa Mohn having lunch in "Old Town" San Diego, CA.

We are adding another stop in Flagstaff, AZ

2006-09-01T01:50:00.000-05:00

Mitch Mender has been inviteted by the Flagstaff, AZ Fire Department to bring the World Nemorial to Flagstaff. We will arrive at Sam's Club parking lot around 9:30pm and depart at 10:00am. The address is SAM'S CLUB 1851 E BUTLER AVENUE FLAGSTAFF , AZ (928) 774-9444.

We have a change in Cambridge, OH

2006-09-01T00:45:00.000-05:00

When we arrive in Cambridge, OH we are going to the Wal-Mart parking lot at 61216 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, OH 43725.

Group dinner for the evening of September 1, 2006 in Oceanside, CA.

2006-09-01T00:38:00.000-05:00

We are all going to meet at "Pat & Oscars" 965 Palama Airport Rd., Carlsbad, CA (760) 929-7040 at 6:30pm.

Ride Update for Wed. August 30, 2006

2006-08-30T08:28:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I am having a hard time sending this ride update on the ride update e-mail list with this wireless server. So it is just on "Gary's Blog" for now.

We are dedicating this years Torches Across America ride to two New York fire fighters that died in the line of duty battling a third alarm fire August, 27, 2006. Their names are Lt. Howard J. Carpluk Jr. and Michael C. Reily.

Lt. Howard J. Carpluk was a 20 year veteran of the FDNY and worked at Engine Company 42 in the Bronx.

Fire Fighter Michael C. Reily just graduated from the FDNY academy on July 6, 2006 and worked at Engine Company 75 in the Bronx.

All of us with Torches Across America give our condolences to their families.

This is the update Mike Mohn has sent me for the morning of September 11, 2006:

We will meet at the chapel at 830am and begin to line the road from the chapel with our motorcycles. the service will start at 9am and then bell ringing ceremony after first biker blessing.

Tattoo Bob and his group will arrive about 1pm at the chapel area. We will go to crash site and then back to the chapel for a second 4pm blessing/devotional.

Keep all this in prayer as we wish to be a blessing and not take away from the real reason we are here-to honor and minister to those families who were affected by the 9-11 tragedies.

This is a go, any updates I will notify before 9-1 via e-mails-after that contact the chapel direct.

Terylene Fritz, sent me this a few weeks ago and I forgot to send it to you all. Great thing for us to do.

Just say ""THANKS""

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one.
If you go to the web site at www.letssaythanks. com you can pick out a thank you card and the Xerox Corporation will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can’’’’t pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn’’’’t it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

We are dedicating this years Torches Across America Ride to two FDNY firefighters that died this week in the line of duty.

2006-08-30T08:04:00.000-05:00

FDNY Michael Reilly

FDNY Lt. Howard Carpluk Jr.

We are dedicating this years Torches Across America ride to two New York firefighters that died in the line of duty battling a third alarm fire August, 27, 2006. Their names are Lt. Howard J. Carpluk Jr. and Michael C. Reily.

Lt. Howard J. Carpluk was a 20 year veteran of the FDNY and worked at Engine Company 42 in the Bronx.

Fire Fighter Michael C. Reily just graduated from the FDNY academy on July 6, 2006 and worked at Engine Company 75 in the Bronx.

All of us with Torches Across America give our condolences to their families.

Some of the riders might want to be in San Diego, CA on September 1, 2006 and ride along with the World Memorial when it heads for Oceanside, CA

2006-08-25T05:03:00.000-05:00

For the riders coming to Oceanside to start the ride you might want to arrive a day earlier to be a part of the escort of the World Memorial exhibit "Release of Souls" that is traveling with us to Cambridge, OH.

At 12:00pm the World Memorial will leave downtown San Diego with the "Release of Souls" exhibit and head to Oceanside and join us on the ride September 2, 2006.

It will have a "Presidential" escort out of San Diego.

Here are some pictures of them loading it up with the help of "Operation Strong Angel III".

Mitch says "Operation Strong Angel III" has a camp set up here at The San Diego Fire Department Training Facility that includes a simulation, seminar and technical equipment use such as satellite links and the latest software and hardware applications for disasters, both man made and natural. Most of these folks have been everywhere: NYC – WTC, Banda Aceh, and New Orleans.

Strong Angel III
http://www.strongangel3.net/
About Strong Angel III
http://www.strongangel3.net/about

August 23, 2006 ride update

2006-08-24T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Our time of arrival and host for Kingman, AZ, has been changed. Our new time of arrival is set for 6:00pm and our new Host is VFW Post 10386 Kingman, AZ. Located at 2985 E. John L Ave, Kingman, AZ 86409, (928) 757 - 7192.

We will have a Memorial Service and dinner there. The dinner will be ham and I told them we would pay for our own dinners.

On the morning of September 11th in Shanksville, PA we are going to have riders at two different Memorial Services at the same time. It will be up to the individual rider as to which Memorial Service they want to attend.

The two different Memorial Services that are taking place that day in Shanksville, PA, is the public Memorial Service at crash site 93 and a Memorial Service taking place at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel.

The speaker for the 2006 Torches Across America Ride Mike Mohn and his wife Theresa will attend the Memorial Service at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. Mike and his wife are very active in the CMA and they have other CMA members that will be attending with them.

Mike sent me an e-mail a couple of days ago telling me about the Memorial Service at Flight 93 Memorial Chapel and it went like this:

I will be doing a devotional at 9:00am with a biker blessing to follow. Reverend Alphonse Mascherino asked that we are an honor guard and line the street from the Chapel into Shanksville approximately ½ mile. I need to contact other ride groups that would like to be there that day and see if they would like to participate at Flight 93 Memorial Chapel.

I know you and others will be going to the Memorial Service at crash site 93 but I need volunteers for this. It will be open to ride groups and anyone who is riding there that day.

There will be people bused in for this and there will be a big event at 11:00am when the United Flight Attendants and Pilots Association dedicates their new Memorial there.

Also we will be a part of the bell ringing ceremony (they ring a bell each time a victims name is read) at 10:06am and I need 7 more people to be bell ringers.

If you want to be a bell ringer please let me know now for I can let Mike know.

What I would like to do on the morning of September 11th when we all assemble at the Super 8 Motel for our ride to Shanksville is for the riders that want to attend the public Memorial Service at crash site 93, line up first and the riders that want to attend the Memorial Service at Flight 93 Memorial Chapel, line up in back of them.

When we leave the motel we will ride to the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel and those that are going to attend the Memorial Service there can part from the group and the rest of the group will ride to the Memorial Service at crash site 93.

The Memorial Service at crash site 93 starts around 10:06am and we need to be there parked and ready for the Memorial Service by 9:00am.

We have the World Memorial coming with us on part of the ride this year. It will be traveling with us from Oceanside, CA to Tulsa, OK then they will drive on to NYC and set up the World Memorial and then try to meet up with us again on the east coast.

You can read about it on their web site: http://www.releaseofsouls.org/

The World Memorial is binging brought in an 18 wheeler a long with a 280lb piece of steel from the World Trade Center and an art exhibit called “Missing Person Flier Exhibit”, and the flier says “Missing last seen at the World Trade Center”.

Mitch Mender, Vice President World Memorial, E.M.T. Fire Fighter Paramedic, is coming with the World memorial as it comes across America.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's Proclamation making 9/11 "First Call Responders Recognition Day"

2006-08-16T21:20:00.000-05:00

Jim Grant has helped us agin this year by getting New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson to come out with a Proclamation making 9/11 "First Call Responders Recognition Day" for all the First Call Responders in the state of New Mexico.

Governor Bill Richardson is great and I thank him very much for thinking this much of his states First Call Responders. This makes the second year Governor Bill Richardson has did this.

Hoboken, New Jersey and Jersey City, New Jersey are passing a resolution making 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders.

2006-08-16T21:02:00.000-05:00

The Hoboken MC is a very special motorcycle club. They have went out of there way to help make sure the Torches Across America Ride would always have a place to end the ride on the East Coast.

This year they have done something really special for the First Call Responder in Hoboken, NJ and Jersey City, NJ. They asked Mayor David Roberts of Hoboken, NJ and Mayor Jerramiah Healy of Jersey City, NJ to pass a resolution making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their cities First Call Responders.

Why this is so special is because these two cities had First Call Responders in boats crossing the Hudson River to help NYC before the first tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. Their cities river front docks were used as temporary morgues for the 9/11 victims bodies and to shuttle aid workers and supplies back and forth to NYC.

Not many people around the world heard how important of a roll these two cities and their First Call Responders played on 9/11. I am glad to say now they will.

I thank all the members of the Hoboken MC for getting these two cities to be added to the list of cities across America that have made 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders.

I like the words California Congressman Mike Thompson said to his fellow congressman during the 109th congress on July, 28, 2006:

Mr. Speaker, These First Call Responders have a long history of honorable and selfless service to the United States. This service has continued at a high standard, and these First Call Responders should be commended.

Mr. Speaker, these unsung heroes deserve our recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice. Their efforts are vital to the peace and well-being of all humanity.

Many thanks to Dynamic Printing for there great work on the "FALLEN WARRIORS-LOST BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN" Memorial Wall

2006-08-15T17:12:00.000-05:00

I thank Dynamic Printing for the printing of the new Armed Forces Memorial Wall "FALLEN WARRIORS - LOST BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN". They have done a great job on it again this year.

Everyone at Dynamic Printing helps with this project. They know how important these names are to the families that have lost a loved one.

James Wyatt, SR Graphic Designer at Dynamic Printing designed the wall. The minute we started talking about it in his office you could tell he was ready to put a 110% of himself into this project.

Operations Director Eric Willis is a great person to work with and has always been supportive of the Memorial Walls we take across the country and set up while on the ride.

This posting is for all of you at Dynamic Printing. Thank you for all your support and fantasic work.

Dynamic Printing is a super company to work with. You can contact them at:
Dynamic Printing
2849 Gretna Rd. Suite 100
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 332-8338
www.dynamicprinting1.com

Congressional Record Proceedings and Debates of the 109th Congress Second Session July 28, 2006

2006-08-07T06:14:00.000-05:00

r
I thank riders John Norcio, Robert Jordan, Larry & Suzanne Schnider from Lakeport, California for taking the time to talk to California Congressman Mike Thompson and getting this started.

I also thank Congressman Mike Thompson for bringing this up to his fellow members of Congress.

Now if they just could make 9/11 a National Recognition Day for our countries First Call Responders that would be great.

Cambridge, Ohio is expected to pass a resolution making 9/11 a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders.

2006-07-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

This is super everyone.

It was accomplished because of the employees at the Holiday Inn in Cambridge, Ohio. It is great that they are this proud of their cities First Call Responders.

Danna Rush, Manager of the Holiday Inn in Cambridge, Ohio, started it all.

I thank each and everyone of you at the Holiday Inn for what you have done for your cities First Call Responders.

This is the first time we have ever had a group of employees do something like this.

City of Santa Clarita, California makes 9/11 a Day of Recognition for their First Call Responders.

2006-07-14T13:11:00.000-05:00

On May 23, 2006 The City of Santa Clarita passed a resolution making 9/11 of every year as "Recognition Day" for all first call responders.

I thank rider Terilynn Fritz and his brother for working with the City of Santa Clarita, California to make this possible.

I also thank the City of Santa Clarita Mayor City Manager and City Council for being this proud of their First Call Responders.

The City of Santa Clarita includes Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus and Newhall. This is a part of Los Angeles.

News from Tina Sandridge, Dave Weber and Alton, IL HOG for the evening in Troy, IL

2006-07-14T12:03:00.000-05:00

Tina Sandridge sent me an email telling me about the plans for the evening the ride is in Troy, IL.

But first I would like to say "Thank You" to Tina Sandridge, Dave Weber and Alton, IL HOG Chapter for all your great help and support.

They have designed posters and fliers for the event that will be distributed in their area. Making plans for the food. There will be live music by " The Larry Menendaz and his band"
Tina said there are lots other good stuff.

If you look at the pictures from Troy, IL last year you can see why she said there are lots of other good stuff.

I am super happy that the residents of Troy, IL want us to be with them when remembering the victims of September 11, 2001, Honoring First Call Responders and showing support for our Countries Armed Forces Members present and past.

This all started because of the Troy, IL VFW Post 976 members and their Commander Roger Alons.

If you all would like a TAA shirt that they have put together call Roger Alons and ask him to hold one for you. I know I will get one for Marge and I. His Phone number is (618) 667-3981.

Great day for First Call Responders in County of Lake, California

2006-03-23T09:41:00.000-06:00

County of Lake, California. March 21, 2006.

Board of Supervisors passed a Resolution, Proclaiming, Designating September 11th Each Year as "Recognition Day" for their First Call Responders.

Signed by Anthony Farrington, Chair, Board of Supervisor, County of
Lake, CA.

The BOS scheduled the proclamation ceremony for 9:30 a.m. with John
Norcio, Robert Jordan, Suzanne Schneider and Sheriff Rodney Mitchell
available to accept the proclamation.

(I have included a photo of the proclamation and one of John, Robert &
Rodney accepting.)

If you need anythin more, let me know.

Suzanne Schneider

Thank you very much John, Robert and Suzanne for taking the time to help make this come about for First Call Responders in your area.

John Norcio was on the first TAA ride in 2002. One of the main reasons he was on the ride was to visit the crash site of Flight 93. One of the young lady's that died on that flight use too come over to his house and play with his kids when she was younger.

A tribute by the Dawn Partol and Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association on the morning of September 4, 2006 in Aluquerque, New Mexico

2006-03-07T10:16:00.000-06:00

On the morning of September 4, 2006 Craig Kennedy said the Dawn Patrol will start setting up their hot air balloons no later then 5:15am and will take to the air at 5:45am. So we need to be at Balloon Park in Albuquerque around 5:00 am. You do not have to check out of your motel room at that time because you will have plenty of time to go back and get your things before we leave Albuquerque.

What they are doing on the morning of September 4, 2006 is of great significance:

1) They will be doing their version of a candle light visual for all the men, women and children that died on 9/11 and for the men and women in our Armed Forces that have died fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. When the gas heats up the air in the balloons it will shine brightly in the skies above Albuquerque.

2) When the morning sun starts to shine it will represent the bright side that always follows a dark moment. Sometimes a dark moment in time can feel like a life time but inevitably the bright side emerges.

3) Their taking to the air will be the kick off for all the 9/11 events planned for the State of New Mexico. It will also let every First Call Responder in New Mexico know that Governor Bill Richardson has made 9/11 "First Call Responders Recognition Day" in New Mexico.

Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association President Kevin Cloney told me that every year since 9/11 the AAAA has given rides to First Call Responders on the Saturday before 9/11. That is super of them.

We will leave from Albuquerque, NM and ride to Amarillo, TX. Our host for the evening will be the Hard Core Biker Ministries. We will be spending the night in Amarillo, TX.

Why is there not even one city from New York on our list that has made 9/11 a “Recognition Day” for their city's First Call Responders?

2006-03-07T07:11:00.000-06:00

If you have the answer please let me know.

September 11, 2001 was a very sad day in America and New York City was hit the hardest. They say in times like this something good always happens. They were right because America was super proud of their First Call Responders. On that day we saw how dedicated they were in putting their lives and families aside just to save us.

If we cannot put one day aside on our calendar just to say "Thank You" to them I feel sorry for us as a country. We do not deserve this type of loyalty from people that are willing to give up their life and families just to save us.

We have Armed Forces Day for all the members of our Armed Forces who put their lives and families aside to protect us so why do we not have a recognition day for our First Call Responders?

By making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for them also adds pride to their family and children. I cannot count how many times I have heard or read about a First Call Responder dying in the line of duty that left behind one or more children. So is not one day on our calender to say "Thank You" to their father or mother worth anything to us. Their loved ones need to know we will always be great full for the sacrifices they give to us.

Here is a list of cities and one state that have made 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their city's First Call Responders

2006-03-03T17:08:00.000-06:00

Albuquerque, New Mexico Mayor Martin J. Chavez, and City Council on August 1, 2005. I thank Mayor Martin J. Chavez and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I also want to thank riders Jim (Cyber) Grant and Rick Parsons for making this happen. They were both the New Mexico State Coordinators last year for TAA. Rick Parsons and Paul Elam are the New Mexico State Coordinators for TAA this year.

Branson West, Missouri City Council in 2005. I read about it in the newspaper. I do not know any of them but I do thank them for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Branson West is the only city in America I know of so far that has did this without me or any riders that I know of asking them to do it.

Fairborn, Ohio Mayor Thomas H. Nagel, and City Council on August 12, 2005. I thank Mayor Thomas H. Nagel and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I also want to thank riders Les and Nancy Knauer for making this happen. Les Knauer is the Ohio State Coordinator for TAA.

Forsyth, Missouri Mayor Karl A. Smith, and City Council on February 20, 2006. I thank Mayor Karl A. Smith and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders.
Thank you for the wonderful evening and support.

Hollister, Missouri Mayor Dave G. Tate, was the third Mayor in America to pass a Resolution making September 11 a "Recognition Day" for Hollister’s First Call Responders on March 3, 2005. I thank Mayor Dave G. Tate and City Council for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Mayor Dave Tate fixed all of us hamburgers the day we road through Hollister on the 2004 ride.

Kimberling City, Missouri Mayor Gary P. Conway, was the second Mayor in America to pass a Resolution making September 11 a "Recognition Day" for Kimberling City’s First Call Responders on February 15, 2005. I thank Mayor Gary P. Conway and City Council for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Mayor Gary Conway helped us put together a ride for our National Guard and Army Reserve in 2004.

Kingman, Arizona Mayor Monica Gates, was the first Mayor in America to pass a Resolution making September 11 a "Recognition Day" for Kingman’s First Call Responders on January 18, 2005. I thank Mayor Monica Gates and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank Mother Road Harley-Davidson and the Kingman Chamber of Commerce for inviting her to be a speaker. I also thank all the riders in and around Kingman for your help in making this happen and for your support every year the ride comes through Kingman.

The goal I had set to get 9/11 to become a National Recognition Day for First Call Responders had failed as we started the 2004 TAA ride. Not one congressman or senator I contacted would help. So at this time I gave up trying to attain this goal.

When Mayor Monica Gates was addressing us she said that she would try and make 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for Kingman’s First Call Responders. At that moment I knew there was still hope in making 9/11 become a National Recognition Day for them. I can never thank Mayor Monica Gates enough for what she started.

Lakeport, California Mayor Robert L. Rumfelt, and City Council on February 21, 2006. I thank Mayor Robert L. Rumfelt and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank riders John Norcio, Robert Jordan, Larry & Suzanne Schnider for making this happen. Lets all have dinner in Old Town San Diego before the ride this year.

Oceanside, California Mayor Jim Wood, and City Council on August 17, 2005. I thank Mayor Jim Wood and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I think riders Mike Lee, Wayne Forester, Peter & Roseanne Nash and Glen Ottman for making this happen. As most of you all know Mike Lee is a Firefighter at Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Mike Lee and Wayne Forester are both TAA State Coordinators for California. Wayne Forester, Peter & Roseanne Nash and Glenn Ottman are all members of the CMA. Without these riders there would be no starting of the TAA ride in California.

Reeds Spring, Missouri Mayor Pro-Tem Paul E. Lear, and City Council on February 7, 2006. I thank Reeds Spring Mayor Pro-Tem Paul E. Lear and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Thank you very much for the wonderful evening and support.

Township of Florence, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, Mayor Michael J. Muchowski and City Council in 2005. I thank Mayor Michael J. Muchowski and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank rider Kathi Bedard for making this happen. Kathi and her husband Fred Bedard are members of Red Knights NJ 14 and were both a part of the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. They and the Red Knights NJ 14 play a very very big roll in putting this ride together on the east coast. The amount of time they spent putting everything together before the ride really shines on the day of the ride into NYC.

Troy, Illinois Mayor Tom Caraker Sr., and City Council in 2005. I thank Mayor Tom Caraker Sr. and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank Troy Illinois VFW Post 976 Commander Roger Alons, and all the members of Post 976 for making this happen a long with all the other great things all of you make possible. I also want to thank all the motorcycle clubs for your support.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson in 2005. Governor Bill Richardson made sure it was a "Recognition Day" for all First Call Responders in the State of New Mexico. We are asking him to do the same in 2006. I thank rider Jim (Cyber) Grant for making this possible.

September 11, 2001 was a very sad day in America but they say in times like this something good always happens. They were right because America was super proud of their First Call Responders. On that day we saw how dedicated they were in putting their lives and families aside just to save us.

If we cannot put one day aside on our calendar just to say "Thank You" to them I feel sorry for us as a country. We do not deserve this type of loyalty from people that are willing to give up their life and families just to save us.

We have "Armed Forces Day" for all the members of our Armed Forces who put their lives and families aside to protect us so why do we not have a recognition day for our First Call Responders?

By making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for them also adds pride to their family and children. I cannot count how many times I have heard or read about a First Call Responder dying in the line of duty that left behind one or more children. So is not one day on our calender to say "Thank You" to their father or mother worth anything to us. Their loved ones need to know we will always be great full for the sacrifices they give to us.

Three more cities in America have made 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their cities First Call Responders (Why is your city not on this list)

2006-02-26T09:41:00.000-06:00

We have three more cities in America that have made 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their cities First Call Responders:

Reeds Spring, Missouri
Lakeport, California
Forsyth, Missouri

I thank the Reeds Spring, Missouri City Council for voting on it the evening I spoke to them. You can sure tell their proud of their cities First Call Responders.

I thank John Norcio, Robert Jorden, Suzanne Schnider for making this happen in Lakeport, California.

I thank Forsyth, Missouri Mayor Karl A. Smith for his warm hospitality before and during the City Council Meeting.

Please help make 9/11 become a "Recognition Day" for your city's First Call Responders and here is how you can do it.

2006-01-20T11:41:00.000-06:00

There are two different ways you can go about it:

1) You need to call either City Hall, City Manager/Administrator and ask when is their next City Council Meeting.

You tell them what you would like to do. (I would like to ask if they would pass a Resolution making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for our city's First Call Responders and tell them why).

At this time they should let you know whether or not you need to let them know a head of time if you want to address the City Council about this issue.

They might even ask if you would give them something in writing a head of time about your issue and if you would like to give a copy to each Council member. I have three copies of Resolutions by three different cities that you can copy and paste from the TAA web site. Click on "About TAA" from the menu bar and scroll down the right side of the page and you will see them.

Then go to the City Council Meeting and present it.

If they do not pass the Resolution at their next City Council Meeting you might call the Mayor or City Manager/Administrator and ask them if there was a problem.

2) Contact your city's City Manager/Administrator's office (Copy/Paste to a .txt or .doc file with the sample resolutions, as shown in the right-hand column on the "About TAA" page of the TAA web site) requesting the Mayor and the City Council to pass a Resolution making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their City's First Call Responders.

Once approved and accepted, have the Manager/Administrator contact you when the next City Council Meeting will be in session so you may be there.

In all likelihood, you may be requested a 2-3 minute slot to elaborate on Torches Across America's cross-country motorcycle ride and it's concept behind making 9-11 a Recognition Day for all FIRST CALL RESPONDERS.

The first way of going about it is the way I do it. The second way is how Les Knauer does it.

This could be part of your write up for wanting to make 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for First Call Responders.

September 11, 2001 was a very sad day in America and they say in times like this something good always happens. They were right because America was super proud of its First Call Responders. On that day we saw how dedicated they were in putting their lives and families aside just to save us.

If we cannot put one day aside on our calendar just to say "Thank You" to them I feel sorry for us as a country. We do not deserve this type of loyalty from people that are willing to give up their life and families just to save us.

We have Armed Forces Day for all the members of our Armed Forces who put their lives and families aside to protect us so why do we not have a recognition day for our First Call Responders?

By making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for them also adds pride to their family and children. I cannot count how many times I have heard or read about a First Call Responder dying in the line of duty that left behind one or more children. So is not one day on our calender to say "Thank You" to their father or mother worth anything to us. Their loved ones need to know we will always be great full for the sacrifices they give to us

Go to one of your Cities, City Council Meetings and ask them to pass a Resolution Proclaiming 9/11 to be a "Recognition Day" for the Cities, First Call Responders.

Remember you are asking them to pass a Resolution making 9/11 become a "Recognition Day" for their city's First Call Responders (key word here is Resolution ). If they just do a Proclamation it is just for that one day of that year so the next year you have to ask them to do it all over again . If they pass a Resolution it is permanent from that day forward.

Here are some copies of Resolutions that have already been passed by three cities Proclaiming 9/11 to be a "Recognition Day" for their First Call Responders.

When going to your Cities, City Council Meeting be sure to take a copy of these Resolutions with you, for they have something to go by when drafting their Resolution.

This is a copy of the Resolution passed by the City of Kingman, Arizona.

CITY OF KINGMAN, ARIZONA
RESOLUTION NO. 4073
A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KINGMAN, ARIZONA; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR TO BE ““RECOGNITION DAY”” FOR ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel –– have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2005, September 11th will be known as ““Recognition Day”” to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Kingman, Arizona, on January 18, 2005.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
_________________________________ _____________________________
Toni Weddle, City Clerk Monica Gates, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
Robert A. Taylor, City Attorney

This is a copy of the Resolution passed by the City of Kimberling City, Missouri.

Bill No. 568 Resolution 220

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF KIMBERLING
CITY, MISSOURI; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR TO BE
"RECOGNITION DAY" FOR ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS"

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel - have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and
personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2005, September 11th will be known
as "Recognition Day" to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED and APPROVED by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Kimberling City, Missouri
this 15th day of February, 2005.

This is a copy of the Resolution passed by the City of Hollister, Missouri.

RESOLUTION NO. 05-0 I

A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE
CITY OF HOLLISTER, MISSOURI; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11th OF
EVERY YEAR TO BE "RECOGNITION DAY" FOR ALL FIRST CALL
RESPONDERS.

RECOGNITION DAY
WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September II, 200 I claimed the
lives of hundreds office fighters. law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, and
Emergency Medical Services personnel - have continued to provide a high level of
public services to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2005, September II tb will be
known as "Recognition Day" to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put
their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of
Hollister, Missouri this 3rd day of March, 2005.

David G. Tate, Mayor

ATTEST:

S Brashear, City Clerk

2006 Torches Across America letter to all Motorcycle Clubs and Organization

2006-01-15T09:09:00.000-06:00

Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride

Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride is a coast to coast ride starting September 2, 2006 at Kennedy’s Custom Cycles in Oceanside, California and riding into NYC on September 9th, Washington DC on September 10th and Shanksville, Pennsylvania on 9/11.

Our mission is to remember the Victims of September 11, 2001, Honor our Heroes “First Call Responders” (they showed us how dedicated they are to helping save our lives on 9/11) and show support for our Armed Forces (who are still in combat because of what happened on 9/11).

There is no registration fee to be on the ride. Riders do have to pay for their own expenses while on the ride. We are invited guest of the “9/11 Memorial Run on September 9, 2006 and there is a registration fee. The money goes to help pay the tolls and the rest goes to a couple of charities. Last year the fee was $20.00 a bike.

Riders can ride with us for the whole trip a day or just a few miles. Riders are also welcome to join us at any of the stops we make.

We do need riders to send us something telling us when, where and how long they are going to ride. You can do this by going to the www.torchesacrossamerica.com web site and in several different areas you will see (TAA’s Ride Sign-UP and/or Inquiry Form), or by writing Torches Across America, P.O. Box 531, Kimberling City, MO 65686. This way I can let our hosts a long the way know how many riders to expect.

There was some unfinished business after 9/11 and that was some of out First Call Responders across the United States thought 9/11 would become a National Recognition Day for them. Well it never came about. So our goal for the pass two years has been set on trying to make this happen for them.

Last year we were able to get these cities and one state to Proclaim 9/11 a special day for their First Call Responders. With the help of the motorcycle community maybe this list will grow in 2006.

Kingman, Arizona Mayor, Monica Gates, Proclaimed beginning 2005, September 11th will be known as "Recognition Day" in Kingman, to honor all of the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Oceanside, California Mayor, Jim Wood, Proclaimed from this day forward (September 11, 2005) September 11th shall be know as "First Call Responders Day" in the City of Oceanside.

Kimberling City, Missouri Mayor, Gary P. Conway, Proclaimed beginning 2005, September 11th will be known as "Recognition Day" in Kimberling City, to honor all of the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Hollister, Missouri Mayor, Dave G. Tate, Proclaimed beginning 2005, September 11th will be known as "Recognition Day" in Hollister, to honor all of the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

The City Council of Branson West, Missouri. I do not have a copy of the their Proclamation but they did make September 11th from now "Recognition Day" for their First Call Responders in Branson West.

The Council of the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Proclaimed beginning 2005, September 11th shall be known as "First Responders Day" in Albuquerque, to honor all of the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Fairborn, Ohio Mayor Thomas H. Nagel, Proclaimed September 11, 2005 as "Recognition Day" in the City of Fairborn, and call upon all citizens to recognize and honor all the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Township of Florence, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, Mayor Michael J. Muchowski, Proclaimed September 11, 2005 as "Responders Recognition Day" in honor of all the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Troy, Illinois Mayor Tom Caraker, Sr., Proclaim September 11, 2005 as "First Call Responders Recognition Day" throughout the City of Troy to honor all of the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson, Proclaimed September 11, 2005 as "First Call Responders Recognition Day" throughout the State Of New Mexico to honor all of the brave men an women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Here is a copy of the first Proclamation ever making September 11th a Day of Recognition for First Call Responders. It was put together by one of our countries very special Mayor’s and she is Kingman, Arizona Mayor, Monica Gates.

CITY OF KINGMAN, ARIZONA
RESOLUTION NO. 4073

A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KINGMAN, ARIZONA; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR TO BE ““RECOGNITION DAY”” FOR ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel –– have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2005, September 11th will be known as “Recognition Day” to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Kingman, Arizona, on January 18, 2005.

APPROVED:
ATTEST:
_________________________________ _____________________________
Toni Weddle, City Clerk Monica Gates, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________

By going to the www.torchesacrossamerica.com you can vote on our web pole either for or against making 9/11 become a “National Recognition Day” for our countries First Call Responders. On our internet poll last year 96.4% of the votes were in favor of making 9/11 become a National Recognition Day for them.

We have Armed Forces Day in our country to show our Armed Forces members how much we appreciate them for offering to put their lives on the line to protect us. So why shouldn’t we have a special day for our First Call Responders, do they not do the same thing.

I personally would like to see 9/11 become a world wide “Recognition Day” for every countries First Call Responders and if riders from all over the world united it could happen.

For more information on the Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride go to web site www.torchesacrossamerica.com . To see about the route click on ‘Route/Updates’ from the home page. We also have a flier you can down load from the web site.

The site is also helpful if your planning a days ride or a trip. Just click on a state you want to travel in from the map of the United States on the home page. You will than see the time and temperature of the major cities in the state. If you scroll down the page there are a few different maps to help map your travels. On the Goggle map you can get like a GPS look at where your going by the satellite map. If you click on the major cities in the state it will even give you more information. I thank Les Knauer for this cool program he has put together.

Even if you can not be a part of the ride you can still be of great help by going to one of your city council meetings and asking them to make September 11th a “Day of Recognition” for your cities First Call Responders.

Make sure it says something like this [beginning ( September 11, 2006) September 11th will be known as “Recognition Day” for our Cities First Call Responders] or [from this day forward (September 11, 2005) September 11th shall be know as "First Call Responders Day" in the City of].

We also could use your help getting this event posted on event calendars so if you have one please post it and if you have any comments on what TAA is about or our goal, by all means let us know.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

September 11, 2005, Sets 3 of 3 pictures by Theresa Mohn [NYC]

2005-12-21T09:30:00.000-06:00

Tramontin Harley-Davidson in Hope NJ:
Click Here ~ Pics 1 of 3

Traveling through New York City {Ground-Zero}:
Click Here ~ Pics 2 of 3

Brooklyn {NY} Harley-Davidson:
Click Here ~ Pics 3 of 3

September 11, 2005, Sets 3 of 3 pictures by Joe Sewell [NYC]

2005-12-18T04:51:00.000-06:00

Tramontin Harley-Davidson in Hope NJ:
Click Here ~ Pics 1 of 3

Traveling through New York City {Ground-Zero}:
Click Here ~ Pics 2 of 3

Brooklyn {NY} Harley-Davidson:
Click Here ~ Pics 3 of 3

September 11, 2005, Sets 5 of 5 pictures by Kathi Bedard, Red Knights M.C. New Jersey, 14

2005-12-17T09:50:00.000-06:00

Ride to NYC {Ground Zero}:
Click Here ~ Pics 1 of 5

Ride to NYC {Ground Zero}:
Click Here ~ Pics 2 of 5

Ride to NYC {Ground Zero}:
Click Here ~ Pics 3 of 5

Ride to NYC {Ground Zero}:
Click Here ~ Pics 4 of 5

Ride to NYC {Ground Zero}:
Click Here ~ Pics 5 of 5

2005 PICs taken by Theresa Mohn [CA~NM~TX~OK~IL~OH~PA]

2005-11-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

The TAA 2005 Ride
began September 3, 2005
from Kennedy's Custom Cycles ~ Oceanside CA.
Day One ~ Oceanside, California
September 7, 2005 Troy, Illinois (PICs Set 3 of 3)
Sept 7, 2005 Day 5 ~ Set 1 of 3
Sept 7, 2005 Day 5 ~ Set 2 of 3
{Breakfast-Troy, IL prior to departure for oHIo}.
Sept 8, 2005 Day 6 ~ Set 3 of 3
Gary Covert

TorchesAcrossAmerica

2006 Speaker for the Torches Across America ride

2005-11-26T06:19:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Mike Mohh has volunteered to be the speaker for the 2006 Torches Across America ride. Mike and his wife are super and I thank them very much for wanting to be a part of the 2006 ride.

Here is a picture of Theresa Mohn with one of the proud Cub Scouts in Troy, IL. We thank him for being with us the evening of September 7, 2006.

We also have a picture of Mike Mohn standing next to one of the New Mexico State Police Motorcycle Officers that escorted us in New Mexico. He is sitting on Mike's Triump. We were at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge I Albuquerque, NM.

11/24/05 Torches Across America news letter with Mike Mohn's letter to me saying what the 2005 ride meant to him

2005-11-24T07:39:00.000-06:00

11/24/05

Hi everyone,

I would like to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving Day.

Les is doing a great job on the new home page for the www.torchesacrossamerica.com web site. I never know what is going to be on the page from day to day.

If you get a chance look at the 9/11 video "God Will Prevail" and check out the part with the Firefighter. It is very powerful. I see Les has put the 9/11 videos under "Media Center" on the home page. So click on "Media Center" to see all of them.

We have a new speaker for the Torches Across America ride next year. A couple of days ago Mike Mohn e-mailed me and said he would like to be the speaker for the 2006 ride. I told him I would be honored to have him as the speaker. Mike and his wife Theresa were on last years ride for the first time.

They live close to Oceanside, CA and are members of CMA. Mike has sent me a nice letter he wrote about the ride and Theresa sent me around five hundred pictures they took while on the ride. I will get Les to post them as soon as he gets the home page the way he likes.

Here is the e-mail Mike Mohn sent to me:

Would I do it again? 7410 miles, 20 days, 23 states and a million memories-you bet. What I'm referring to is the Torches Across America run-a run to commemorate and recognize all first responders and to honor those who gave their lives on 9-11-01. In a run as much as you can or want format 11 of us made it coast to coast and were at ground zero on 9-11. Our riding group ranged from 11 to over 3000. Michelle whose brother was killed from Rescue 1 rode with us and was a reader of the killed at the NYC ceremony. It was her first long ride and she did great. Every day she became more of a biker lady. At ceremonies scheduled in each days end or in between she got to read a special poem that she wrote to honor her brother. Other highlights include 5 of the 11 were cma riders. At each scheduled stop numerous cma people were their to love and support us. I was honored to start each day before the ride with a prayer-even when running late someone in the group-mostly secular-reminded us to pray before we left. Three events stick in my mind-first during a stop for fuel on the Oklahoma Turnpike a trucker approached me-said he was trying to catch us for 70-80 miles after he saw my cma colors. He had been in prison and someone from cma visited him and led him to the lord-he had been looking for cma since then so he could get more Hope for the Highways, which I had sent to him. Keep Stephen in your prayers as God has completely turned his life around. At another truck stop in Missouri Michelle asked me to go aside and pray with her. The 3 Cma women had been loving on her and she needed guidance. I was blessed to pray with her-she kept telling my wife and I how glad she was we were with her-we hope to see her in biker church when we get back. Last we had a police escort into Troy, Illinois, as we had had across New Mexico, Texas, Illinois. Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey to ground zero. This lasted for 65 miles in Missouri and then for another 30 in Illinois into Troy. We were leading over 250 motorcycles through town led by fire engines and police. The whole town was out waving and applauding us as we went through town. At the fairgrounds the drive was lined with Cub Scouts waving American flags, over 100-with a huge flag hanging from two extended fire truck ladders. It brought tears to our eyes to see the love for our great country. But 1 person stood out-a boy in a wheel chair-I wanted to break rank and go directly to him but with 250 bikes behind me it was not possible. When we parked and I looked up he was right by me with his dad pushing him. I went right to him-his name is Jacob-and he had leg perthes like I did when I was his age. I gave him some cma coins and a John 3:16 sticker and prayed with him and his dad. We all had tears on our eyes when we parted. A little later his dad came back-his son wanted a picture with me-seems I was his hero-to put on their fridge. Today I received the picture from him, a super letter from his Dad, and my heart is just exploding. What a special moment in time. You never know who you are going to touch. Especially somber was the visit and ceremony to the flight 93 memorial. If you can imagine over 300+ bikers so humbled that you can hear the gravel while they walk you may have an idea of the impact it made. There again there were 2 large headstones in their memory from the biker community. Truly our brotherhood is only second to one-that of Jesus. I could go on as every day was incredible-finally riding with 3000 others to ground zero. We were touched and touched many lives for God-someone is always watching and we are still on a high from the trip. For details on next years ride please contact me-this is a once in a lifetime oppurtunity.

I thank all the CMA riders in California for the time and effort they put in making the the starting of the Torches Across America ride possible.

This is my first time working with "Gary's Blog". Les set this up for I can post Torches Across America e-mail ride updates without taking the time to go through him. He is a super guy for offering to be the web master but I do not want to be bothering him every time a change is made for the ride.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

TorchesAcrossAmerica

2005-11-13T13:26:00.000-06:00

The 2006 Torches Across America ride is currently in its initial planning stage.

Plans, etc. regarding the Logo Contest are being developed.

If you should have a design / logo in mind; please go ahead and submit to Gary Covert "National Coordinator" and/or Les Knauer "Webmaster".

Testing of the BLOGGER is underway, hopefully it'll become functional
for all to utilize.

For more infomation, check out:
TorchesAcrossAmerica's HomePage