On Saturday, July 28, more than 700 motorcyclists and former Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers gathered at Ground Zero for the 6th Annual Independence Ride – a charity motorcycle motorcade benefiting Tuesday’s Children and Anderson House, a New Jersey residential treatment program for women recovering from alcoholism.  The comradery amongst the group was incredible.

Father Brian Jordan delivered an early morning prayer at Ground Zero before the ride began. The motorcade then traveled to Krucker’s Grove in Pomona, New York, where they were greeted by a warm welcome, a hearty family BBQ, and musical entertainment by Dan Lawson’s Blues Band and Brothers of the Road.

Jonathan Barnett, Chairman of Tuesday’s Children, had this to say about the event: “When most people think of bikers, the image of leather-clad tough guys comes to mind.  Nothing could be farther from the truth with these big-hearted, generous, and compassionate riders gathered here today.  Every one of these bikers is a hero to the people who lost someone on 9/11.  Today’s ride is helping Tuesday’s Children raise much needed funds to develop and implement programs and services for the more than 5,000 9/11 family members we serve.”

The money raised by the ride will directly benefit the many programs and services offered by Tuesday’s Children, such as mentoring, educational and career guidance, leadership training, and life management programs.  The money will also support Anderson House.

Tuesday’s Children would like to thank all the motorcyclists who gave up their Saturday to participate.

The motorcade driving to Pomona, New York

Enjoying the ride and waving hello...

Dave Byrnes, a Tuesday's Children mentor (left), and Jonathan

Barnett, Chairman of Tuesday's Children (right), take time to

relax at the picnic

The Dan Lawson’s Blues Band and Brothers of the Road play

all the hits for the riders and guests

One of the riders shows off his pride for United

Brotherhood Carpenters

Two of the riders, wearing their flags and their

spirit, wait in line for the BBQ

Looking forward to the 7th in 2008...