Memorial Ride in honor of September 11 victims to pass through East Windsor, Hightstown next weekend
By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
Traditionally, more than 2,500 riders, representing every person that perished in the attacks of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, travel through East Windsor via Route 130 en route to New York from Washington, D.C. every year.
The final destination of the memorial ride is Ground Zero.
It is anticipated that the 9-11 riders will pass through East Windsor around 2:30 p.m. Aug. 20.
The Hightstown council reached a consensus Monday night to endorse the event, which could legally pass through the borough anyway as Route 33 is a state-owned highway.
In fact, the New Jersey State Police Commissioner will be one of the riders making the 10th anniversary trek, said Butch Badai, a local representative of the America’s 9-11 Ride organization, which runs the annual event.
Hightstown was the childhood home of Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer, according to Fran Palumbo. She asked council for an endorsement Monday night.
Mr. Beamer and many more brave individuals fought religious fundamentalists on board Flight 93.
Several victims of Sept. 11 were residents of East Windsor.
This Thursday, participants of the 9-11 ride will begin their journey in Shankesville, Pennsylvania.
Nineteen men hijacked four planes on Sept. 11, 2001, using them later as targets against American symbols of power and might. One plane missed its target destination, and crashed in Shankesville.
”The America’s 9-11 Ride is about remembering the heroes, volunteers and victims who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and since. Our annual memorial ride takes place in August respecting each site and the survivors, allowing them to mourn during September,” the organization’s Website states.
The horrific attack caused the death of nearly 3,000 people, including children.
The America’s 9-11 Ride, works to build a brighter future for police, fire and First Aid servicemen and servicewomen and their families, according to its website. To learn more, visit www.americas911ride.org.