AKRON, Ohio–This year marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and a group of firefighters from Southern California are paying tribute to heroes on the road.
Ten firefighters from Hollywood are biking 3,300 miles to New York City.
“We just want everyone to take a second to stop in their daily lives and just remember what happened 10 years ago,” said Adam Loeser, a firefighter from Orange County. “I can’t believe that happened 10 years ago. If we can get them to think and talk about that–that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Today, the team made a pitstop at an Akron fire station before resting for the night at Kent, where Loeser grew up.
“I haven’t been here for 10 years,” he said.”I haven’t been home. A lot has changed. It’s pretty crazy.”
Loeser and the others are a part of the 9-11 Organization, which pays tribute to the lives lost in the terror attacks.
During this cycling trip, they hope to raise $100,00 for two charities: the Leery Firefighter Foundation, which provides equipment and training for firefighters. They are also donating to the Wounded Warrior Project, which assists injured servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They have collected $45,000 thus far.
“That same volunteer spirit or the sense to serve and help is still there, that was very apparent after 9-11. That seems to be coming back out again for this, for the little portion that we’re doing and that’s got to be the most memorable portion.”
The group plans to ride 100 miles to Pittsburgh tomorrow. They expect to arrive in New York on Sept. 9.
To donate or for more information about the 9-11 Organization, go to http://www.ridefor9-11.org.