The CT United Motorcycle Ride: 25 Years Of Commemoration, Remembrance And Tribute
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The annual ride which attracts riders from all over the tri-state area and even Massachusetts took place on Sunday, August 30th, beginning again at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. This is the 25th CT United Ride which takes riders through nine Fairfield County towns along the 60 mile route. The weather was perfect, and more than 1,000 riders traveled from Westport, through northern Fairfield county and then on to Bridgeport for a barbecue.
For a quarter of a century, since the horrific attack on our country on September 11, 2001, one of the most prominent of events which commemorate that day, the 2,977 lives brutally taken away, and a grim and lasting legacy, has been the CT United Motorcycle Ride. By now, most of eastern Fairfield County is reminded of 9/11 and the sacrifice of New York’s Bravest and New York’s Finest and so many others.
2,606 people were in the World Trade Center and on the ground perished as a result of the attacks and the subsequent collapse of the towers.
2,192 civilians (including eight EMTs and paramedics from private hospital units)
343 membersof the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
71 law enforcement officers including 23 members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)
37 members of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD)
1 fire marshal of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who had sworn law enforcement powers (and was also among the 343 FDNY members killed)
1 member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 1 member of the New York Fire Patrol (FPNY)
1 member of the United States Secret Service (USSS). This included a bomb-sniffing dog named Sirius.
92 passengers and crew of American Airlines Flight 11 were killed. 65 people aboard United Airlines Flight 175 were killed.
64 people aboard American Airlines Flight 77 were killed. 44 people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 were killed.
The attack on the World Trade Center's North Tower alone made the September 11 attacks the deadliest act of terrorism in human his
Speaking during the ceremony is former Fairfield Police Chief Gary Macnamara. Also on stage are classical and opera singer Jodi Keogan, CT United Executive Director for 25 years, Fred Garrity, Jr., a third person, Peter Brown, President of the CT Uniform Professional Firefighters Association, Westport First Selectman Kevin Christie, CT Attorney General William Tong, Westport Fire Department Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Police Corporal Craig Bergamo and current Fairfield Police Department Chief Michael Paris.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, left to right, Attorney General William Tong, Westport Fire Department Chief Nick Marsan, Westport PD Corporal Craig Bergamo and Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris salute as the Pledge Of Allegiance is read. Next is Westport First Selectman Kevin Christie, and Congressman Jim Himes with AG Tong. At right, a fire bell is rung which is done often at a ceremony where a firefighter has died in the line of duty. A special sequence—most notably the traditional "5-5-5" or "three sets of five" strikes—was tolled to signify their "last alarm" and final return to quarters.
Hundreds listen to Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums which has been part of the opening ceremony for many years.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums was founded in 1992, and is the main statewide service pipe band.
More than 1,000 motorcycles are lined up waiting for the ride to begin and to leave Sherwood Island State Park..
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Everywhere one would look, the Red, White and Blue dominates the view, with many of the bikes proudly flying Old Glory. This ride brings together many different people from many different backgrounds, all with the goal to “Never Forget” September 11th.
Motorcycle Patrol Officers from multiple area police departments await the start when they will take the lead as the procession winds its way on the 60 mile journey. Representing Westport PD are Detective Sergeant Rachel Hall and Officer Dominique Carr, center of group and below, left.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Riders leaving Sherwood Island will pass under this giant American flag provided by the Norwalk Fire Department.
The riders are on their way onto I-95, led by CT State and local motorcycle patrol units.
Westport FD Engine 5 crew post up at the entrance to I-95 South, assisting drivers who want to enter the highway find an alternative route.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Riders in Trumbull as they near the end of the 60 mile route head south on Park Ave. in Trumbull.
As they head south toward Seaside Park in Bridgeport, the final destination, riders are greeted once again by Old Glory, provided by the Long Hill all Volunteer Fire Department.
Each year thousands of spectators gather at their front yards, neighborhood gathering places and parking lots along the way to cheer on the riders. Here the crowd at Park Ave. in Trumbull show their love for the riders who are, for the 25th time, honoring the thousands lost on that terrible September day.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Long Hill FD volunteers wave as the riders pass under their proud flag display. Below, the last of the riders follow along with an AMR ambulance which rides along each year to be prepared for any potential issue which fortunately did not occur as the ride was perfectly run.
Long Hill Volunteers respectfully fold their flag as the riders have passed.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One of the many rows of motorcycles parked at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park as the riders are treated to lunch provided each year by a generous contribution from Bridgeport’s Vazzi’s Catering, longtime sponsor of the event.
Riders enjoy their lunch at Seaside Park picnic tables as they relax after their 60 mile journey.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Vivo Family: Devoted To Service
Of the many amazing folks who rode this and many other years Westport Local Press was honored to meet and speak with the Vivo's, a family which understands the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
Above, left to right, Myrna Vivo, daughter Lina Vivo, and son George Vivo Jr. This was the first time mother and daughter rode together on this year's CT United Ride.
Lina and George served first in the military. U.S. Army Captain Lina Vivo served two tours, one in the Afghanistan withdrawal and another at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Brother George Vivo, Jr. served one tour and was a Senior Airman based at Joint Base San Antonio, TX and NSA Texas, one of the National Security Agency's four primary Cryptologic Centers in the United States.
Upon the conclusion of their military service, both George Jr., and Lina joined the law enforcement community. Lina serves with the CT State Police Troop G, Bridgeport. George is an officer with Bridgeport Police Department and is President of the Bridgeport Police Hispanic Society, Inc.
Above, center and a bit camera “reluctant” is family patriarch George Vivo Senior who is likely the inspiration for his children’s pursuit of service to their country and their community.
The senior Vivo was a Bridgeport police officer for over 35 years, a Detective, Acting Sergeant, and was one of the very first Members for Bridgeport’s Tactical Narcotics and Vice Team TNT with his twin brother John Vivo in the 80’s when crime and drug trafficking in the city was at its highest.
He retired as a key member of the department's accident reconstruction and fatal team where he taught and guided new officers in the field how to conduct multi-investigative traffic accidents and analysis.
The wear visible in the flag above indicates this American flag has more than a few miles flying proudly.