Early Sunday morning you could hear the rumble of pipes down on 7th Avenue, the sound bouncing off the buildings in Midtown. I thought if I got out to the bike by 7:30 a.m. it would be early enough to line up right in front of the hotel. Wrong. Bikes were already lined up both north and south of the Sheraton and being directed onto the side streets even though we weren't scheduled to head to Ground Zero until 8:30 a.m.
Once directed where to line up everyone parked and the ritual of sharing stories and meeting new people continued. I am on a side street and it is quite a site to look down 7th Avenue to the big lights of Time Square and see it flooded with bikes and riders. This is one of my favorite sights every year. This time, because of the size of our group, we will divert over to the West Side highway after passing through the heart of Time Square.
All along Time Square people are lined up as well as firetrucks and First Responders. Everyone appears to be there for support with just a few caught up in the crowds. But out on the West Side highway it's a different story. There are fewer people and most appear to be conducting their Sunday morning ritual of jogging or walking their dogs. We are back in stop and go mode while the bikes already at Ground Zero are being parked and those of us on the highway inch our way down.
While still out on the West Side highway I can see the construction of Tower #7 rising above the skyline directly in front of me. I can't take my eyes of it as I continue moving toward Lower Manhattan, anxious to see what changes and progress have been made this past year. Though we are all fighting the heat of the pipes once again the mood is solemn and patient as we keep moving forward.
Just after being parked I walk to where a makeshift stage has been set up by the Foundation, though I stand in the crowd behind it. I arrive just in time for the ceremony that begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem sung by Daniel Rodriguez, Taps and a prayer. I see hand held flags being passed out to anyone who wants one and am about to reach out when I realize I have no place on my bike to place it or to pack it for the flight home.
We are standing as close to the base of World Trade Center Tower 7 as we can. The significance is that this was the last building to fall and the first that will be rebuilt. It reaches up toward the sky, already having over 60 stories completed. A wreath is presented from the America's 9/11 Foundation which will be placed at the building during the official ceremonies in a few weeks on September 11, 2011.
We are introduced to New York's American Legion 9-11 Memorial Post 2001 Commander, John Powers. He speaks both eloquently and with heartfelt emotion about the tragedies of September 11th, the courage of the First Responders on that day, and the responsibilities we have today and every day as American Patriots and First Responders to support our country and ensure such actions never occur on our soil again.
The stage is also graced by Richard, a member of the Foundation who, just as he did last year, gives us the opportunity to see through his eyes and feel what he felt as he worked in Tower Two on September 11, 2001. I am again amazed at his courage to relive the moments when he learned about Tower One, left his own building, then returned to his office moments before it was struck. The most emotional moment for him was recounting when he was finally able to make it home that evening and the most amazing thing he saw was his American flag in front of his house that his son had lowered to half mast. That was when the reality of what had happened that day struck him the hardest.
Of course Ted Sjurseth is called to the microphone as the head of the Foundation. Although he, his wife Lisa and his brother Eric began this Foundation and work tirelessly year round to make these few days come together, he does not do this for recognition. As always, he is humbled by those who gave all on that fateful day and wants all the focus to be on them, feeling what they do pales in comparison. You will never meet more selfless and caring people.
We are also graced with the sounds of the New York Port Authority Pipe and Drum Corps. Knowing the losses suffered by the Port Authority, and having been inside their office located at the World Trade Center, my heart is touched by their presence.
When the ceremony comes to a close I have the opportunity to thank and say good-bye to several of those whom I have been blessed to meet that had a hand in all that I have been able to experience these past few days. Truer Americans cannot be found.
I then am finally able to do something I have had to miss out on in years past, I visit St. Paul's Chapel directly across from the World Trade Center. This small historic church was established in 1766, is Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use, was a witness to the great fire of 1776, hosted George Washington on his Inauguration Day, and survived the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001.
This Chapel is still in use and is essentially a museum and tribute to those lost in the terror attacks at the World Trade Center. The small, stone building is dwarfed by the newer, larger buildings that surround it. It is a piece of American history and a look back into time that is also the keeper of current tragic history. If you have not been there when you get the opportunity it should not be missed.
As I walk back toward my bike I see groups, couples and individuals saddling up for their treks back home. Good-byes are said to new friends and old alike. We have traveled from all over and been brought together for one purpose since Thursday. Some realize this is the only chance they will ever have the honor of participating in the America's 9/11 Ride, while others decide they must return again someday, and some still have sworn to move heaven and earth to never miss a future ride. But we all know we will never forget the sacrifices made, the lives lost and the attacks on our country. Whether we do see one another again or not we have all bonded over a few days together that gave us experiences which touched our hearts and souls, that took our breath away, that made us swell with pride as Americans, and that let us know that our nation is alive and well with patriots.
When I returned my rental bike Monday morning I had traveled only 826 miles but gained a lifetime of friendships and memories.
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