Hope for the Warriors is a ride full of pride

Friday marks a very important day in our country, eight years since the 9-11 attacks. The Hope for the Warriors organization is sponsoring a three-day bike riding event for wounded service members. Thursday was a day of mixed emotion. Tears amidst an over zealous sense of pride as twenty-seven bicyclists took to the streets. Fans cheered and vigorously waved American flags to show their appreciation. Each rider is a sailor, soldier, marine, or airman who was wounded serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Ed Salau served in the military for sixteen years. He served as a North Carolina Army National Guard and was wounded in Iraq. "November 15th of 2004, I was in Iraq, and we were ambushed rocket propel grenade hit my vehicle and took my leg off.” After a ceremony, the troops got back on their bikes and continued down US Highway 17 to downtown Wilmington. Their injuries were the last thing on their minds. "Our nation's wounded heroes are not defined by their injury but their spirit and determination to overcome any obstacle that confronts them and to show that there is hope beyond recovery,” said Peggy Rochon of Hope for the Warriors. The three-day journey down Highway 17 started today in Holly Ridge and ends Saturday in Oak Island. Hope for the Warriors invites the public to join the cyclists for a special community ride in Oak Island on Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m. You can choose to cycle or walk, or just come by and cheer everyone on. Participation costs ten dollars for students and military, twenty for singles, and thirty-five for couples.