Veterans Day Ride
On Monday, November 11, 2024, we honored our Veterans past and present with a ride to a few of the Memorials/ Monuments located Harrisburg, PA. Ten HBC decked in red, white and blue departed from Fort Hunter. We knew it would be a lovely sunny day, so we took off the early morning layers before we departed. We were not disappointed the sun shined the entire ride.
Our first stop THE WORLD WAR I BUDDY MOUNMENT. We placed a flag in the bouquet of fresh poppies that a gentleman was exchanging that he does each year. We stopped at the original location of THE SUBMARINE VETERANS MEMORIAL which was at Riverfront Park near Forster Street. It honors the 3,505 members of the US submarine fleet in 52 submarines lost during World War II. Thanks to google search I found out it was moved to Indiantown Gap in 2018 but still on the Historical Memorials to visit in Harrisburg.
Next, we crossed the Harvey Taylor Bridge to the Pennsylvania American Legion Headquarters. All the wars are represented on large figurines where we again placed flags.
Before we made our return over the bridge, Marilyn had a flat tire. Karl and Bill helped with Marilyn and Patty staying back while we left for City Island where we had our rest stop. break. Note: the porta potties are moved to behind the Stadium near the Carousel. They soon arrived and we were off again as a group.
Next stop VIETNAM VETERANS’ MONUMENT dedicated in November 1986 on the riverfront across from the John Harris Mansion. You will need to look for the American and POW flags on the riverside because the monuments are hidden between two bushes. The National League of POW/MIA families of the Harrisburg area was the driving force behind the creation of the memorial.
Next stop VICTORY MONUMENT at the Walnut Street side of Capitol Park honors the sacrifices of PA residents who died in the war with Mexico 1846-48. Victory is an impressive 10’ tall and sits on top of a 31’ marble column.
Last stop at the Capitol steps for a group picture and admiring the newly gilded 14’ lantern at the top of the dome.
A lovely ride back to Fort Hunter with new and old friends Karl (sweep) and Marylou Martz, Sally Snyder and Deena Fry (both new members), Chet Lubecki, Marilyn Chastek, Diane Kripas, Bill and Patty Baughman.
God Bless America and our Veterans.
Click the button below for the photos
2024 Veterans Day Ride Harrisburg
Diane Dankman Riley