LI-DC bike ride honors FDNY's 9/11 fallen
A firefighter is seen in the wreckage of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. (Sept. 14, 2001) Credit: AP File
A group of firefighters and injured veterans from the metropolitan area, including Long Island, will make a 343-mile bicycle trip to honor the 343 members of the New York City Fire Department who perished in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
"Ten years after 9/11, it's important to make sure we don't forget those who are gone and recognize what the men and women in the military have been doing for the last 10 years," said FDNY Capt. Michael Alexander of Engine 50 in the Bronx, who spearheaded the effort.
More than 30 firefighters, three injured veterans riding on special bicycles and their friends will cycle from Montauk to the Pentagon in Washington. The ride will take five days.
"Our main reason for the trip is to remember the brothers that we lost on Sept. 11," said Greg Gatto, 33, of East Meadow, who works at Engine 50. "The other reason is to honor our wounded vets."
The group, a third of whom are Long Islanders, will depart Montauk Point on Wednesday, with the first overnight stop in Westbury. Then they will head to Toms River, N.J., on Thursday; Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday; Annapolis, Md., on Saturday; and arrive at the Pentagon Sunday. They'll return to New York City the next day.
In Westbury, riders will rest up at the Viana Hotel & Spa, which is providing free meals for the group at Supers Café in the Four Points by Sheraton in Plainview. The group will stay at a different hotel each night, all at discounted rates.
Organizers hope to raise $100,000 to benefit veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donations can be made at fdny343ride.com via PayPal, or checks can be made out and addressed to "FDNY 343 Ride," 229-19 Merrick Blvd., Box 343, Laurelton, NY 11413.
