WATCH NOW: Tribute to the Troops ride ensures Gold Star families aren’t forgotten | Local News
Ron Gettler is preparing a flag that will be hoisted on his motorcycle on Saturday before the Tribute to the Troops Ride begins in Statesville.
Jay Janish poses on his motorcycle on Saturday.
The Tribute to the Troops Ride departs from Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville on Saturday.
Ride depart Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville on Saturday.” class=”img-responsive owl-lazy default” width=”1769″ height=”1172″ data-src=”https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/statesville.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/9e/d9e55692-2931-11ec-bf4d-5369655aabeb/6161e496b9455.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C795″/>
Carl Hecksher and the Tribute to the Troops Ride depart Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville on Saturday.
Marie Watts with the Exchange Club wave American flags as the Tribute to the Troops Ride departs from Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville.
Tribute to the Troops Ride participants recite the Pledge of Allegiance before leaving Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville on Saturday.
Ronda Anderson and Kiomy Holmes poses for a photo before the Tribute to the Troops Ride leaves Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville on Saturday.
Carl Hecksher is preparing a flag that will be hoisted on his motorcycle on Saturday ahead of the Tribute to the Troops Ride which started in Statesville.
A small American flag sits on the back of one of the motorcycles.
Rockie Lynne and Kiomy Holmes speaks on a video call before the Tribute to the Troops Ride leaves Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville on Saturday.
“When you talk to a Gold Star family, they have a few fears, and almost all of them are the same,” said Mike Sheets, one of the runners on Saturday. “One of their biggest is that over time everyone has forgotten their son or daughter, that he has already lived and that he gave his life for the service.
“We remember the sacrifice of the family, they no longer have anyone with them at the Christmas table, they no longer have anyone with them during the holidays. They made their sacrifice as well as the sacrifice of a member of their family for our freedoms.
The linens say they can rekindle their memories, both for their service and for the life they’ve lived at home.
“It helps in the healing process, memories are all they have,” Sheets said. “They want to remember. When approaching a Gold Star family, do it reverently, but do so by letting them know you are thinking (of their loved one), and their face will light up.
The walk and the tribute to the troops are organized by Rockie Lynne, a veteran himself who made a career in music. Saturday marked the 10th annual Tribute to The Troops Ride as the group planned to visit a total of five Gold Star families in the area this weekend. The rides are split between Saturday and Sunday, both starting at Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville.