WESTPORT — Thousands of motorcyclists are expected to gather Sunday at Sherwood Island State Park, the staging grounds for the annual “United Ride” tribute to victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
The traveling tribute, marking its 21st year, is described by organizers as the state’s largest 9/11 commemoration.
Motorcyclists will roar from the park about 11:30 a.m. Sunday, then onto Interstate 95 south to Exit 17 at Saugatuck Avenue, before heading north through town on Route 33. The rest of the 60-mile route passes through Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull and Fairfield before ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
“For those that lost their lives, for those that gave their lives and for those that continue to put their lives on the line each day — that’s why we ride,” Fred Garrity Jr., executive director of the United Ride, said in a statement.
Signups for the event still will be accepted at a pre-registration program Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Captain’s Cove Marina in Bridgeport, and from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island. Fees are $30 for each rider and $30 per passenger.
Money raised by registration fees are donated to emergency relief funds for families of police officers and firefighters in the state and to two local United Ways, according to organizers.
Opening ceremonies at the park are scheduled to get underway at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, including the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, the State Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps and a moment of silence as a fire bell rings 11 times beneath two fire ladder trucks holding a 50-foot American flag.
State and local officials are scheduled to be on hand for the ceremony.
For more information, check the United Ride Facebook page.
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