CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Officers and members of the “9-11 Memorial Coalition Ride,” ready plans for the 20th anniversary event include (Left-right): Tom Wolf, Williamsport; Tom Boyle, Montoursville; Bill Stankiewicz, Lock Haven; Gary Smith, Montoursville; Todd Winder, Montgomery; and Tank Baird, Montoursville.

MONTGOMERY – As of August 5, all systems are go for the 9/11 Memorial Ride honoring those whose lives were taken by terrorists when destroying the Twin Towers killing occupants and others in New York City.

As the nation mourned that fall of 2001, Father John Manno, along with others of the Williamsport area, devised the ride honoring the memory of the victims. Although the priest passed away in 2019, his motorcycle will be near the front of the lineup, carried on a trailer bed in this years ride.

“It would not be too much of a stretch to expect 7,000 to 10,000 riders, this being the 20th anniversary with the date falling on a Saturday. Depending on the weather,” said Tank Baird, president of the 9/11 Memorial Coalition Riders.

According to Coalition Chaplain Gary Smith, “An addition to the landscape for participants to look for this year will be staged at the Abe Howard Bridge, formerly Arch Street Bridge in Williamsport. There, thanks to efforts by members of Leroy O. Buck Post 7863 Veterans of Foreign Wars, volunteers will line the entire span holding 3 by 4 foot American flags.

“Among the general population, veterans make up about two percent, whereas, 70 percent of the 9/11 riders are veterans and law enforcement,” Smith said.

“Riders have represented nine states plus Canada. There was a group who came from Branson, Missouri. This year, members of ‘Blue Knights International’ plan to be involved,” said Tom Boyle, coalition member.

The coalition met an unexpected road block this year when PennDOT with held permission until Aug. 5.

Baird said, “This caused an added financial burden hiring lawyers to represent the coalition. The only income we have are sales of tee shirts and donations. We never charge bikers to participate.”

“We expected plans for the annual event to go smoothly,” said Baird, referring to the recently passed State House Bill 765. Sponsored by local representatives Joe Hamm, Jeff Wheeland and others, the bill would allow repeating events on state highways to go forward unencumbered. In Harrisburg, the bill unanimously passed the house and senate and was signed by Governor Tom Wolf.

In addition, Baird said, “All local townships, boroughs, and the city of Williamsport had issued permits allowing the 2021 ride to proceed.”

Last year, due to the pandemic, the coalition withheld sponsorship. Even so, several riders participated on an individual basis.

Looking forward to Saturday, Sept. 11, Chief Todd Winder of the Clinton Township Fire Company and host site, announced event times.

“This year at the fire hall, a Memorial Service will begin at 2 p.m. with guest speaker Clyde Hock, a Vietnam veteran from the Allentown area. At 3 p.m., bikers will take to the road covering 42 miles within Lycoming County.”

At noon on Sept. 11, PBS station WVIA-TV will air a documentary of a previous ride titled, “Remember, Honor, Ride.”