Vets’ yearly event right on track

Post-Tribune ^ | September 26, 2005 | Ed Smaron

[KeyLargo]

Vets’ yearly event right on track

Sept. 26, 2005

By Ed Smaron / Post-Tribune correspondent

HIGHLAND — Sunday’s rain wasn’t nearly enough to dampen the patriotic spirit of more than 1,000 motorcycle riders who showed up at Wicker Park in Highland to participate in the sixth annual Victory for Veterans Memorial Ride.

They came from all over Lake and Porter counties in Indiana, as well as from Chicago and its suburbs. Their mission was to raise funds for the upkeep and enhancement of the Wicker Memorial Park Veterans Memorial.

It was a day to honor those who have served their country. And a little weather wasn’t going to get in the way.

“Weather never stopped our soldiers from fighting any of the conflicts,” said North Township trustee and event founder Greg Cvitkovich.

“They fought in the rain,” said Scherri Dixon of Hebron. “We’re gonna ride in the rain.”

The 36-mile ride was co-sponsored by Cvitkovich, Lake County Sheriff Rogelio “Roy” Dominguez, the American Veterans Motorcycle Riders Association, and Calumet Harley-Davidson. It kicked off around noon with a flag-raising ceremony featuring the Hammond Firefighters’ Drum and Bagpipe Brigade.

The riders then rolled out, down Ridge Road to Cleveland Avenue, south to U.S. 30, over to Broadway, south to U.S. 231, west to U.S. 41, and back to Ridge Road. Upon their return, riders enjoyed food, beverages and live entertainment. Each also received a commemorative Veterans Memorial Ride pin.

Cvitkovich said this year’s ride was 10 miles longer than last year’s, venturing further south to the old Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point.

“We just want to make it a little bit longer,” he said, “to reach a little bit more different communities down south and touch a few more people.”

The annual ride, which raised about $6,800 last year, is the largest fund-raising bike run in Northwest Indiana, and Cvitkovich says it is growing every year.

It’s a yearly tradition for riders such as Juan Roman of Hammond, a Vietnam vet and commander of American Legion Post 17, composed exclusively of motorcyclists. He’s been a part of the event since its beginning, and realizes what these riders’ contributions mean to history.

“(I’m here) to do the American thing,” Roman said. “To support a park to remember us by, because it’s going to be here for generations to come.”

“The majority of these people are veterans out here,” Cvitkovich said. “And those that aren’t are here supporting all the veterans.”

Fellow rider Diablo Longoria of Hammond felt the same way.

“We’re veterans helping veterans, brother, that’s what we’re about.”

[KeyLargo]

“(I’m here) to do the American thing,” Roman said. “To “(I’m here) to do the American thing,” Roman said support a park to remember us by, because it’s going to be here for generations to come.”

“The majority of these people are veterans out here,” Cvitkovich said. “And those that aren’t are here supporting all the veterans.”

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Patriot Biker ping!

[martin_fierro]

Visit the FMH Swag Store & support FR!
Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list
The List of Ping Lists

[JoeSixPack1]

I hate the rain when I'm on a sponsored ride. But like the quote said:

“They fought in the rain,” said Scherri Dixon of Hebron. “We’re gonna ride in the rain.”

ooohHRaaahh

[JoeSixPack1]

Thank you for posting this!

Semper Fi

[blackie]

Patriot Bikers ~ Bump!