SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Over 200 bikers, along with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, participated in the Ride for Fallen Service Heroes Sunday.
The ride was meant to raise money for families who’ve lost their loved ones at war.
Bikers began their ride in South Charleston and rode to Fayetteville and back for a free, public picnic with entertainment, food and activities at the National Guard Armory at Coonskin Park in Charleston.
About $35,000 was raised, which is a record breaking number in the history of West Virginia concerning these types of rides, according to Manchin.
“It shows the support we have for our military,” he said. “Sometimes we forget that families are left behind when you lose a soldier. This is to say ‘we’re never going to forget you’,” Manchin said.
Once the bikers returned back from Fayetteville, they joined the picnic which included free entertainment, food and activities.
Joe Gollehon, of Charleston, was one of the riders. He said he wanted to support the fallen heroes and that riding was a special way of doing that.
“When you see the veterans that were with us and the supporters that were with us, it’s just a tremendous thing. This is what America’s all about,” Gollenhon said after the ride.
The West Virginia National Guard and the Vietnam Veterans of America sponsored the evening picnic for supporters and fellow service members.