Victory4Veterans Run Draws Thousands HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB) — Thousands of motorcycle riders lined up Saturday at The Holyoke Soldier’s Home, to raise money for Victory4Veterans. The organization uses the event to raise money for outings for the veterans at the Soldier’s Home, including the upcoming honor flight for World War II veterans. In it’s third year, the run has become a tradition for many riders. “Oh it’s everything. Look at the people, look at the veterans. I mean they are all over,” explained veteran and rider James Brady. Brady is nearly 86 years old, a WWII vet, and still very active. With this year’s run being dedicated to veterans of that war, Brady says he’s making the 52.5 mile ride for those who aren’t as mobile. “Right now, I am very proud. Very proud, it makes you feel that much younger, really,” Brady said of the ride. There were several thousand riders, coming from all over the country. That puts this year’s turnout nearly double last year’s. “The conditions are perfect, everything came together, we’ve been doing it for a couple years now, so everything is getting more seamless. I think this is as good as it gets today,” noted Victory4Veterans Executive Board Member, Ryan Flannery. The turnout was appreciated by veterans and active service members, who were honored by the support. “It’s the people in your community, it’s the town. To see these people come out en mass, like this for our soldiers, and what they’ve done, tremendous,” Major General Scott Rice, of the Massachusetts Air Nation Guard, said. As riders wound their way through western mass, cruising through nine different communities, they kept the vets on their mind. “Well, I am retired from the military. Everyone in the military are like brothers and sisters, we take care of ourselves. As far as i am concerned, this is no different,” explained Vietnam veteran Jay Joyce. Local law enforcement, State Police, and area fire departments, donated their time to escort the riders, and ensure they ended their run safely at the Moose Club in Chicopee. The money raised Saturday will help to send World War II veterans from the community, and The Holyoke Soldier’s Home, on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in October to see the World War II Memorial.
Posted on: Sat, 31 May 2014 22:37:52 +0000
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