Face of AMERICA

On a cool September morn beside the void of 'Ground Zero' we sang 'The Star Spangled Banner' at opening ceremonies of the Face of America 2002 Ride from New York to Washington. Three days later we concluded our journey, circling the rebuilt Pentagon and singing 'God Bless America'. In between we rolled 278 miles of smiles with tears of unity, patriotism and remembrances on two and three wheeled bicycles. We rode with family of those lost, aged 10-76 years and as well as victims from around the world who still suffer and bear the scars from acts of terrorism in their own lands. We were the face of America, and more... 600 men and 600 women from 42 states and 10 foreign countries united in sport to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America.

"Terrorism will not stand, We will not be broken. We will not forget and we will help rid the scourge of terrorism from the face of this earth."

Mark Burlingame, brother of Capt. Charles Burlingame III, who piloted American Airlines Flight 77 until it was hijacked by Terrorists and flown into the Pentagon, killing 184 men, women and children. Mark, a heart surgeon from Lancaster, Pa., rode to honor all those who died."As a novice, I faced this ride with trepidation and high hopes, and I far exceeded what I thought I could accomplish." The physically challenged athletes that took part particularly inspired him... "especially those moments when we had to reach down for that last ounce of strength."

"We have bonded in this ride in mind and body and made a powerful statement on behalf of all Americans and all friends of America."

Firefighters, police officers, about 200 service members, family members, in all, about 2,500 cyclists took part in the event organized by World T.E.A.M. Sports, a nonprofit organization with the motto . We will "remember the past and imagine the future". Based in Charlotte, N.C., the group promotes total inclusion and integration in sports, with a focus on people with disabilities of whom comprised 50% of the participants.

The Exceptional Athlete Matters

The "Team" included several amputees; two blind Kenyans -- victims of the 1998 terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi -- riding the back seats of tandem bikes; a Norwegian disabled-rights activist; a Polish citizen who lost both his arms in a land-mine cleanup campaign following World War II; and a 13-person team of Israelis and Palestinians. While some cyclists rode for a day, others made the full journey from New York City, through New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland into the District passing the Capitol before crossing the 14th St. Bridge to Arlington and the Pentagon.

"These riders are indeed the face of America, in all of its courage, compassion, color, creed and expression."
Greg LeMond, three-time Tour De France Champion

Bob Graham of Arlington County Fire Department was also among the riders. He presented a plaque to some of the New York City firefighters who made the ride. "We met a lot of really great people out there," he said, "but mostly, we have never stopped thinking about our brothers in the New York City Fire Department."

Dan Rowen, Ladder Co. 9, Engine 33, New York City Fire Department, said he helped put the ride together in memory of his fallen brothers.

"I lost 51 of my best friends that day."

Noting the flag waving high atop an Arlington Country Fire Department truck extension, Rowen said, he was teary-eyed coming through the crowd and seeing the flag raised by brother firefighters. "Every one of you out there was saying, 'God bless America.' I want to see that forever." Holding up a T-shirt displaying an American flag, Rowen said, "These colors here -- will never ever run."

A fireman from New York City's Ladder Co. 35, said he didn't bring a gift for the Arlington County firemen, so to the cyclists cheers, he gave them the shirt off his back.

"We lost 11 men on Sept. 11," he said, "and I had these bike jerseys made up with all the 11 guys' names on the back. I'd like to present them with this jersey that I rode in -- it's a little smelly, I apologize. I'd also like to give them my helmet -- FDNY 9-11-01."

Charles Abell, assistant defense secretary for force management policy, welcomed the cyclists to the Pentagon and commended their effort. He said the ride exemplified America's "strength, resilience and hope.""The brutal attacks of Sept. 11 were not just against famous buildings," he said. "The terrorists targeted the American people and our way of life. But people responded with courage, generosity and power".

Courageous Americans rescued victims in the World Trade Center and at the Pentagon, he said. People gave clothes and food. "We lit candles, we said prayers and we comforted the distressed, "Hundreds of brave New York City fire and policemen lost their lives trying to save others," Abell said. "Our heroes in the military defeated the Taliban regime and their terrorist allies in Afghanistan." he said. "We sang "God Bless America" and we waved flags everywhere, as I see today."

"Today we're grateful to all of you for your strength, your physical fitness and your commitment to those we lost. God bless you, and God bless America."