The 23rd annual 9-11 Memorial Ride will again roll and roar its way through Lycoming County on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

The 42-mile route will be a rain or shine event and remain the same course as it has been for many of those years as thousands of motorcyclists ride in a rolling tribute through 14 communities.

The event honors those who lost their lives that day and who have died since protecting the nation’s freedom and who continue to protect America from terrorism.

The crowds on the streets and country roads have been estimated, some years, at 20,000 people with many showing their support by waving American flags and holding signs. In the past, local churches have rung their bells as riders pass by. As always, the late Father John Manno’s Harley Davidson “Fred,” will be displayed and ride along the route. Manno was a signature figure who prayed for the riders each year, rode Fred and waved to the adoring crowds at the lead of the ride.

“I think we have as many spectators as we do riders each year,” said Clinton Township Fire Department Chief Todd Winder, a member of the Lycoming County 911 Memorial Ride Coalition. As for Father Manno, “we really miss him,” Winder added. Manno went to the aftermath of the twin towers collapses, offering his services at a cathedral in lower Manhattan that was damaged but not destroyed by the towers’ collapsing.

The county ride, meanwhile, is among the largest in the nation as a rolling tribute to those who were lost on Sept. 11, 2001, with the first ride happening four days after the attack. It was organized by Thomas “Tank” Baird, coalition president, and Don Miller, Winder said.

The ride is a way for the participants and spectators to show respect for those in the U.S. military and law enforcement, first responders and others who protect America from terrorism and who have lost their lives since that terrible day and to “Never Forget.”

It is an emotional experience to watch the rolling memorial tribute and to hear it first hand.

The ride begins and ends at the fire station grounds along Route 54 near Montgomery.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Later, there will be merchandise vendors and food vendors for snacks and meals available.

The memorial service begins at 5 p.m. with guest speaker Jake Norotsky, a former U.S. Army soldier who on a video for Wounded Warrior Project discussed how he was directed to the non-profit organization by his wife as it then helped him to cope as he transitioned out of the military.

The ride begins promptly at 6 p.m. As always, the Lycoming County emergency services and fire police personnel will shut down routes to allow the safe passage of the rolling tribute.

Organizers asked motorists to please have patience and enjoy the ride if you happen to be caught in traffic.

It’s truly a community event, with riders and non-riders invited to the fire station grounds for the memorial service and all activities.

After the ride, riders can have dinner and snacks and listen to a live band perform on the firemen’s grounds.

The coalition is mostly dependent upon the money raised through the sale of 9-11 Memorial Coalition merchandise on the day of the ride and through private donations.

“We don’t charge a rider fee,” Winder said. The ride is free but donations are appreciated.

This year, the coalition is in need of more people than ever before to consider a donation, as a vendor has allegedly accepted a pre-payment for T-shirts, but not delivered the merchandise, according to Winder. To support this year’s ride, the coalition asks that people purchase merchandise at the ride or on its website under the shop section at www.911memorialcoalition.org/.

Leftover proceeds from sales go toward various causes including families of public safety personnel and others.

One year, coalition funds went to help a girl who was injured in a mishap with a fire truck at Hepburn Township. Other years, funds have gone toward helping pay the cost of individuals going through emergency medical technician training, Winder said.

“Every penny goes to police, fire and EMS activities,” Winder said.