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. once again honored the tradition by holding its 23rd annual tribute to the first responders who perished on September 11, 2001.
This year’s tribute was held on Saturday, September 9, at Ontario Beach Park. The event began with the annual motorcycle “Let’s Roll!” Tribute Ride. First held on September 30, 2001 – just 19 days after the attacks – it was the first known 9/11 Ride in the country. “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 escorted 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 were also involved.
The “Let’s Roll!” ride traveled through Greece, Hilton, and Hamlin before passing the 9/11 Memorial in Brockport. The ride then continued through Ogden before returning to the beach. Those along the route came out to cheer on the parade, lining the streets and showing their support.
Following the ride, Bo Jaxon from the 92.5 WBEE Bee Morning Coffee Club hosted a community Memorial Ceremony featuring the LBS Highlanders Pipes & Drums along with Rochester Music Hall of Fame Board Member, Steve Bartolotta, who sang the National Anthem.
Firefighters, LEOs, and military personnel including the NY National Guard and the United States Marine Corps were in attendance to remember those lost on 9/11 and pay tribute to those who serve.
Brockport Fire District’s Public Information Officer, Chris Martin, was 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, took place on the ROC ON Harley-Davidson-sponsored stage with a special performance by the ZBTB Trio. More than 30 craft and merchandise vendors were on hand along with multiple food and beverage trucks to serve attendees. A Home Depot-sponsored “Tricky Tray Auction”also supported the event with auction items from stores across the state.
Operation Patriot chose 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 on Operation Patriot, go to http://www.OperationPatriot.org.
Provided information
Photos from Brockport Fire District on Facebook.
West Webster Fire Department and Spencerport Fire District flew the American Flag over Lake Avenue at the entrance to the park.
The PGR Parking/Escort Team, which has supported the ride for over 15 years.
