SMETHPORT — Despite the strong winds and heavy rain that hit
Smethport and the area Sunday morning, 45 motorcyclists registered
for the fourth annual “Ride of Pride.”

Following the blessing of the bikes by Kim Kisko, chaplain of
the American Legion Riders, the riders set off on their 125-mile
trip that took them to the Eagles Club in Warren, Kelly Hotel in
Marienville and Mount Jewett American Legion before returning to
Smethport for a brief memorial ceremony at the parking lot across
the street from the McKean County Post #2497 Veterans of Foreign
Wars.

Some of the bikers did not finish the ride because of the
weather.

The Rev. Tom Beam, Lutheran pastor, offered the opening prayer
and benediction.

After the flag pledge led by George Tufts, Lenny Anderson,
commander of the VFW in Smethport, spoke briefly.

“Some are here today to remember the Ride and some are here to
remember the visit of the Moving Wall,” he said. “We are all here
for, and must remember the veterans whose names are on the
Wall.”

Anderson lauded the organizers who plan this annual event.

“It is a wonderful thing to see this effort repeated year after
year,” he noted. “It keeps the bond of the community and the
comradeship that was started with the planning for and the arrival
of the Moving Wall, and it will continue because of this.

“So, let’s always remember: one generation of veterans should
never let another generation be forgotten.”

Gerry Ford, commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post
#138 in Smethport and an organizer of the annual Ride, also
commented. “This is a great day, a time to remember and reflect,”
said Ford, who along with Cheryl Razey, led the Ride Sunday. “It
also is a time to heal. There has been a lot of healing since the
Wall was here.

“Before visiting the Wall when it was here in Smethport, many
veterans did not talk about their service in Vietnam. But the Wall
changed that for many, who later talked proudly about their time in
that war.”

Because of a commitment from the veterans and the public, Ford
said that he is sure the Ride will continue.

He concluded by saying, “We are free because of the brave, and
the brave are the veterans.”

A memorial firing squad fired three shots during the “Honor the
Dead” ceremony.

Deborah Tufts played “Taps.”

Also attending the ceremony were Cub Scouts of Pack 501 and Boy
Scouts from Troop 501, both in Smethport.