Printable VersionHundreds of the “most patriotic” citizens gathered Thursday morning to see soldiers ride to the London Bridge for the annual brick laying ceremony.
 Joe Perez, second from front, raises his fist in the air as he rides into the English Village with his fellow Wounded Warriors on Thursday morning. The Wounded Warriors attended one of Lake Havasu City’s veterans events being held this week — the brick laying ceremony under the London Bridge. Guest speakers included Martin Sepulveda from U.S. Sen. John McCain’s office, Mayor Mark Nexsen and a poem reading by fourth- and fifth-grade students from Jamaica Elementary School. Jillian Danielson/Special to the News-Herald |
“It was fantastic. I got goose bumps when the riders came down,” FBF Director Larry Robinson said. “I don’t see how anybody cannot get goose bumps. Those are real heroes that we got to see. It was great to be able to honor them. This year’s ceremony was bigger than last year and the city really honored them well.”
The WWP Soldier Ride consists of dozens of military men and women injured in combat. The cycling event is designed to rehabilitate wounded soldiers both mentally and physically and also raise awareness for the WWP mission to raise money through sponsorships, pledges and donations for wounded soldiers.
National Tour Director Woody Groton previously called Lake Havasu City “the most patriotic city in the country” and also said “Lake Havasu City is kind of like the Veterans capital of the West.
“We are truly honored to have Lake Havasu City as ‘the most patriotic city in the country’,” Mayor Mark Nexsen said. “We are honored to be a part of your journey. Each and every one of you has given so much to your country. … We are humbled by your presence.”
Groton’s said his impression of Lake Havasu City only got stronger Thursday.
“Here you are again. More people, bigger celebration,” he said. “We can’t thank you enough. We all know freedom is not free. There is a price and if you look (at the soldiers), you can see that price and what these men and women have given.”
Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Kelly said he’s participated in the rides since the beginning in 2005.
“This has been absolutely incredible and I can say out of all of the soldier rides I’ve been involved, this one tops the list,” Kelly told the crowd. “There are a lot of questions that go through a soldier’s mind after an injury. … This ride and your response had such an impact on me and I can see your response today is having the same impact on the new riders.”
A few of the riders also laid bricks on the Freedom Bridge Foundation’s Memorial Walkway under the bridge. The walkway honors “76 Moments of Freedom,” which spotlight moments in American history. The brick laying was also the culmination in a statewide essay contest for elementary students with a grand prize of the written words appearing on a brick on the walkway. Logan Gilliam, of Prescott, won for his words on the Mayflower Compact.
Ceremonies also involved the Marine Corps League, the Daytona Elementary choir and band, the Blue Star Mothers, Thunderbolt Middle School students, the American Legion, the local VFW and several other organizations dedicated to honoring the soldiers.
You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com
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