In 2001, the 107th Congress amended Title 36, United States Code, designating September 11 as Patriot Day in honor of those who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The law asks the President to issue an annual proclamation for Patriot Day that directs the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff and a moment of silence be observed.
Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. will once again honor the tradition by holding its 23rd annual tribute to the first responders who perished on September 11, 2001.
This year’s tribute will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, at Ontario Beach Park, 50 Beach Avenue, Rochester. The event will begin with the annual motorcycle “Let’s Roll!” Tribute Ride – the first known 9/11 Ride in the country. First held on September 30, 2001 – just 19 days after the attacks, “Let’s Roll!” was named after the rallying cry famously uttered by University of Rochester alum Todd M. Beamer aboard United Flight 93 as he and other passengers attempted to take back the airliner from the hijackers.
Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will escort the annual ride along with NY State Police, Greece PD, Rochester PD, Brockport PD, Ogden PD, the U.S. Border Patrol, the National Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders. Rochester FD, West Webster FD, Brockport FD, and Spencerport FD will also be involved; more departments are expected.
The “Let’s Roll!” ride will leave at 11 a.m. sharp and will pass through Greece, Hilton, and Hamlin before passing the 9/11 Memorial in Brockport. The ride will continue through the Town of Ogden before returning to the beach. The Village of Brockport is planning a large welcome with several additional fire departments joining in. Those along the route are encouraged to cheer on the parade by lining the streets and showing their support. The parade of bikes is expected to take 20 minutes or more to pass by.
Following the ride, Bo Jaxon from the 92.5 WBEE Bee Morning Coffee Club will host a community Memorial Ceremony featuring the LBS Highlanders Pipes & Drums along with Rochester Music Hall of Fame Board Member, Steve Bartolotta, who will sing the National Anthem.
Firefighters, LEOs, and military personnel including the NY National Guard and the United States Marie Corps will be in attendance. All active and veteran military and first responders are encouraged to attend as we remember those we lost on 9/11 and pay tribute to those who serve.
Brockport Fire District’s Public Information Officer, Chris Martin, will be the Guest of Honor and the keynote speaker at the event.
Following the ceremony a free concert by Dave Matthews Band Tribute, Big Eyed Phish, will take place on the ROC ON Harley-Davidson-sponsored stage with a special performance by the ZBTB Trio. The concert is open to all who want to attend.
More than 30 craft and merchandise vendors will wrap the park interior taking up a combined 180 linear yards of space. Multiple food and beverage trucks will also be onsite.
A Home Depot-sponsored “Tricky Tray Auction” will support the event by providing auction items from stores across the state. Participants can bid on an 11,000w generator, gas grill, power-tool kit, chest freezer, gas fire pit, patio heater, and/or a Roomba robotic vacuum.
Operation Patriot has chosen the Brockport Fire Department’s 9/11 Monument fund to be this year’s beneficiary. Inspired by the iconic photo of three FDNY firefighters at Ground Zero, the monument stands as a constant reminder of the bravery and resilience of American first responders. It reminds us all to “Never Forget.”
Last year’s fundraiser raised $23,000 for NY Warrior Alliance, a local nonprofit that works directly with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center supporting wounded military and their families.
For more information, go to http://www.OperationPatriot.org or http://www.Facebook.com/OperationPatriot.
Event Schedule:
•9 a.m. – Ride Registration
•11 a.m. – Ride leaves Ontario Beach Park
•11:40 a.m. – Ride arrives in Brockport
•12 p.m. – Vendor Fair opens
•12:35 p.m. – Ride returns to the beach
•1 p.m. – Memorial Ceremony
•1:25 p.m. – Free concert featuring Big Eyed Phish – Dave Matthews Band Tribute with a special performance by the ZBTB Trio.
•5 p.m. – Tribute close
Provided information
