"Much More than just a Bicycle Tour"

I learned about the 9/11 National Memorial Trail and set it as a personal goal to ride to all three national memorial sites in one journey. Right from the start, I knew that this was going to be so much more than just a bicycle tour. Instead, it was a 27-day journey in which I learned in great detail about the events of September 11, 2001. We listened to people who were in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; we visited the moving Flight 93 National Memorial and learned how the beautiful ‘Remember Me Rose Garden’ came into existence; and we listened to a firefighter's personal story of the tragedy that played out in New York City. Along with these highlights, we stopped at numerous 9/11 memorials on our 1,300-mile journey and saw firsthand how much of an impact there was on local communities along the way. Our group was welcomed like royalty through so many towns. We even managed to meet a Wounded Warrior hero walking the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. At one point during the tour, our trip organizer gathered our group together and asked us to reflect on where we were when we heard about the planes flying into the Twin Towers. Each of us took turns answering that simple question, though the answers were not always simple. There were many personal and emotional stories retold that day. Right there, we all realized how important it was to keep the memory alive so that generations to come will never forget the horrible events of September 11, 2001. I was so honored to have had the opportunity to participate in the ride and raise awareness of the trail, which links part of our country’s past into a wonderful experience! I highly recommend a visit to each of the national memorial sites to everyone.