Red Helmets Ride 2007
There’s nothing like a crisp, foggy east coast morning to erase the sleep from your face! Our group of Red Knights (OH5) joined other riders from Red Knights PA4 to the staging area in Frederick, MD to begin the Red Helmets Ride to the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. This would be the 9th annual ride, and we were honored to be part of this occasion.
But first, let me tell you about the ride getting there! We rolled and twisted through the hills and mountains on National Road most of the way to our destination. It was jaw-dropping beautiful, with weather that any biker would hope for, except, of course for the short burst of rain that pelted us going through the mountains. We stopped along the way for food, gas and photo opportunities that couldn’t be missed.
Jeff and I followed Mike and Bill as we neared the town of Waynesboro, PA, where the local volunteer fire department gave us a warm welcome. The president of the local RKPA4, Henry, and his wife packed us into a van and gave us a ride to the local Golden Corral restaurant where we slammed to a halt in the parking space with the front of the van wedged upon the cement barrier. In the restaurant, we met several other members and their families and had a hearty meal. We really met a lot of nice folks.
The next morning we met even more firefighters, friends and family at the firehouse. This firehouse has a large community room in the basement that would put any museum to shame. The decades of fire service memorabilia was perfectly displayed, with great pride, to share with others. The town has a rich history over 200 years long. We heard stories of the local schoolhouse burning and an airplane crashing into the center of town. We came to appreciate the pride and hard work that a volunteer service holds.
We got onto our bikes, and rode through the fog obscured landscape to Frederick where riders from all over the country had converged to participate in this occasion. We met bikers who came from as far away as south Texas, with many Red Knights chapters being represented, all wearing their colors proudly.
Altogether, just fewer than 400 riders lined up to begin the ride to Emmitsburg, being escorted along the way by the state troopers who held traffic at stoplights and ramps. We had a seamless ride of 25 miles to our destination. The atmosphere was not one of jubilation. It was a respectful congregation of firefighters who I am sure realize that they could be or could have been one of the firefighters being honored this day. Together, we rode to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial so appropriately placed on the ground of the National Fire Academy.
There’s nothing like a crisp, foggy east coast morning to erase the sleep from your face! Our group of Red Knights (OH5) joined other riders from Red Knights PA4 to the staging area in Frederick, MD to begin the Red Helmets Ride to the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. This would be the 9th annual ride, and we were honored to be part of this occasion.
But first, let me tell you about the ride getting there! We rolled and twisted through the hills and mountains on National Road most of the way to our destination. It was jaw-dropping beautiful, with weather that any biker would hope for, except, of course for the short burst of rain that pelted us going through the mountains. We stopped along the way for food, gas and photo opportunities that couldn’t be missed.
Jeff and I followed Mike and Bill as we neared the town of Waynesboro, PA, where the local volunteer fire department gave us a warm welcome. The president of the local RKPA4, Henry, and his wife packed us into a van and gave us a ride to the local Golden Corral restaurant where we slammed to a halt in the parking space with the front of the van wedged upon the cement barrier. In the restaurant, we met several other members and their families and had a hearty meal. We really met a lot of nice folks.
The next morning we met even more firefighters, friends and family at the firehouse. This firehouse has a large community room in the basement that would put any museum to shame. The decades of fire service memorabilia was perfectly displayed, with great pride, to share with others. The town has a rich history over 200 years long. We heard stories of the local schoolhouse burning and an airplane crashing into the center of town. We came to appreciate the pride and hard work that a volunteer service holds.
We got onto our bikes, and rode through the fog obscured landscape to Frederick where riders from all over the country had converged to participate in this occasion. We met bikers who came from as far away as south Texas, with many Red Knights chapters being represented, all wearing their colors proudly.
Altogether, just fewer than 400 riders lined up to begin the ride to Emmitsburg, being escorted along the way by the state troopers who held traffic at stoplights and ramps. We had a seamless ride of 25 miles to our destination. The atmosphere was not one of jubilation. It was a respectful congregation of firefighters who I am sure realize that they could be or could have been one of the firefighters being honored this day. Together, we rode to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial so appropriately placed on the ground of the National Fire Academy.
I
want to tell you a bit about this ride. It began in
1999 as the “Red Ribbon Ride”, the realization by Tom
Baker, retired firefighter and Red Knight from RKMD1. .
Very quickly, more people came to help him with
organizing this event first by changing the name to
“Red Helmets Ride” as the red helmet signifies
courage.
Each year, anywhere from 125 to 1000 riders have come
to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty.
We arrived in Emmitsburg, rode through the town with the locals lining the sidewalks and proceeded to the fire academy. We were greeted by hundreds of people standing quietly as we rode our bikes beneath the crossed ladders graced with an American flag. Together, we stood with the families, officials and firefighters at the site of the beautiful memorial where the color guard and bagpiper waited and listened to words spoken by various dignitaries and Tom Baker.
We watched as the wreath was placed at the foot of the monument, listened as the bagpiper played Amazing Grace, and stood in silence as the color guard closed the ceremony.
It is a rare occasion when I am at a loss for words, but I can now say that I have never seen more camaraderie among a community of individuals as I saw that day at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. It touched me deeply and I will most certainly be there every year as I am able.
As the crowd dispersed, we had a chance to see the yet “unofficially” unveiled monument for the 9-11 firefighters on the grounds of the fire academy. It is so tall and strong both in presence and meaning. The flag flies high overhead as it is being raised by three men who have the strength to show that we are still strong, still proud, and always American.
The journey home was without rain, without incident, but with friends. I am proud to be the wife of a firefighter, and part of motorcycle club who embraces tradition, respect and fun for those who serve. •
Until the next trip
Deborah Peters RKOH5
Photos by Author
We arrived in Emmitsburg, rode through the town with the locals lining the sidewalks and proceeded to the fire academy. We were greeted by hundreds of people standing quietly as we rode our bikes beneath the crossed ladders graced with an American flag. Together, we stood with the families, officials and firefighters at the site of the beautiful memorial where the color guard and bagpiper waited and listened to words spoken by various dignitaries and Tom Baker.
We watched as the wreath was placed at the foot of the monument, listened as the bagpiper played Amazing Grace, and stood in silence as the color guard closed the ceremony.
It is a rare occasion when I am at a loss for words, but I can now say that I have never seen more camaraderie among a community of individuals as I saw that day at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. It touched me deeply and I will most certainly be there every year as I am able.
As the crowd dispersed, we had a chance to see the yet “unofficially” unveiled monument for the 9-11 firefighters on the grounds of the fire academy. It is so tall and strong both in presence and meaning. The flag flies high overhead as it is being raised by three men who have the strength to show that we are still strong, still proud, and always American.
The journey home was without rain, without incident, but with friends. I am proud to be the wife of a firefighter, and part of motorcycle club who embraces tradition, respect and fun for those who serve. •
Until the next trip
Deborah Peters RKOH5
Photos by Author