Ride of remembrance
<p>Hundreds of motorcyclists rode from Colville, Wash., to Post Falls in honor of United States veterans and the victims of 9/11.</p>
POST FALLS - Growling along Poleline Road on Saturday afternoon, hundreds of motorcyclists rolled into the parking lot at the Post Falls American Legion, turned off their rattling engines and dismounted.
The bikers had just journeyed from Colville, Wash., a distance of close to 100 miles. With American flags flying from their motorcycles, they had assembled to honor American veterans, and to remember those who died during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"It was awesome," said Kris Owens of Sandpoint. "When you have a long stretch, you've got all these bikes in front of you ... The support is huge."
Commander John Dunlap welcomed the riders to American Legion Post 143, which hosted a 9/11 memorial ceremony, wreath-laying and complimentary barbecue Saturday. Kootenai County police officers and firefighters were in attendance, and the Air National Guard Band of the Northwest played several tunes throughout the day - including the songs representing each branch of the U.S. military.
"What a great day to remember our heroes," Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug said. He remarked on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where thousands of American troops have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"These are people who, without thought, gave their lives for you and me," Haug said.
Larry Boatwright of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue paid tribute to firefighters and emergency personnel, especially those who perished trying to save others on 9/11.
"These were people who often put the lives of other people before their own," Boatwright said. "Let us always remember, with respect, the cost of freedom."
Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin spoke of 9/11 and its repercussions throughout the country.
"Nine years ago, today became a defining moment," he said. "One thing came out of that day: Our colors don't run on the flag, and neither did this nation. They picked up their bootstraps, they got together, and they went after the terrorists who did this terrible deed."
Between 400 and 450 bikers participated in Saturday's memorial ride, according to the event's coordinator, Paul Smith. All of the bikes squeezed into the legion parking lot, though barely. Many of the participants were veterans, members of the American Legion Riders.
Motorcyclist Don Sullivan, from Ione, Wash., enjoyed the long ride and appreciated what it stood for.
"(The veterans) are one of the reasons we're able to do this on a daily basis," he said.