On Sunday, Sept. 9th, the Red Knights and Blue Knights motorcycle clubs came together to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
The 9/11 Remembrance Ride held registration and a ceremony at World's Fair Park before the bikers hit the pavements and rode around Knoxvile making various pit stops together at places like Tommy Thompson's Motorsports.
Registration began at 8 a.m. and bikers from all over the area gathered in the park and began chatting to other bikers, police officers and firefighters from around East Tennessee. The Blair Volunteer Police Department provided free water and coffee, and Little Debbie provided snack cakes.
Patriotic songs such as "Born in the U.S.A," and classic rock songs such as "Taking Care of Business" played on the loud speakers. At 9:43 a.m., Phil Williams of News Talk 100 WNOX went onstage and announced at 9:43 a.m. on September 11, 2001, 63 people boarded the third plane that would crash into the World Trade Center.
At 10:04 a.m., he announced that the North Tower collapsed, at 10:10 a.m., a plane crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania and at 10:28 a.m., the South Tower collapsed.
At about 10:15 a.m., Phil Williams called people at the event to sit in front of stage as 12 people, including a bagpipes player, two chaplains and a singer, gave an emotional ceremony to remember those who fought and lost their lives on that September day.
Phil Williams continued the ceremony by saying that he fears Tuesday will be "just another day," but with events like this one "our kids and their kids won't forget" what happened six years ago.
A remembrance candle was lit and "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)?" played while tears began to flow from the crowd of police officers, firefighters and their families.
Prayers and inspirational speeches about bravery and love were given and when the ceremony was over, Phil Williams prepared the bikers with safety advice for the ride. "Don't wreck!" was his number one pointer.
The Remembrance Ride was one way that Knoxvillians recognized the tragedy that is still on our minds six years later.
This slide show was created by Yolanda Ortiz with Samantha Thornton recalling her thoughts and feelings on Sept. 11. World Trade Center photographs courtesy of Rob Heller. Graphics were created by Mike 3D courtesy of Flckr.com and Julian Wood.
Comments
Katie commented, on September 11, 2007 at 11:08 a.m.:
Great package Yolanda!
Franck T. commented, on September 11, 2007 at 5:14 p.m.:
Great story, great clip! Bravo!