SOUTHWICK-Area residents are encouraged to participate in “Ruck and Roll For The Fallen” on Oct. 20 in town, hosted by the Massachusetts chapter of Honor and Remember.
“A Ruck at the Wick 338 and our annual Motorcycle Run out of American Legion Post 338 raises awareness of the Gold Star Families that we have living in our community, and of the fallen soldiers that have given their lives defending our freedoms,” said Brian Miller, director, Honor and Remember Massachusetts chapter. “We also will be honoring the 22 veterans a day that take their lives from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).”
The mission of Honor and Remember is to “perpetually recognize the sacrifice of America’s military fallen service members and their families.” The organization also pays tribute to all military lives lost, not only while serving on active duty but also as a result of serving. Additionally, the primary vehicle for perpetual recognition is a specific and dedicated symbol of remembrance created by the organization – the Honor and Remember Flag – which is intended to fly continuously as a tangible and visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms.
Miller, who has been active with the chapter for seven years and has served as chapter director for six years, comes from a military family.
“My father was Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army, and I served in the U.S. Marines,” said Miller, adding he is a Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran and also served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
“This is my way of giving back to the families that lost loved family members overseas fighting to defend our freedoms,” he said.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. for both the ruck and the run, and food vendors will include Gristmill Cafe selling a variety of breakfast sandwiches and for lunch, soups as well as a wide selection of sandwiches, and 4’C Mac and Cheese will also offer a lunch menu. Opening ceremonies are planned at 10:30 a.m. with the Motorcycle Run leaving at 11:30 a.m.
“The motorcycle run leaves from the American Legion Post 338 and is 26 miles long,” said Miller, noting the route takes riders into Granville, down into Westfield, and back to Southwick.
“A lot of back roads, scenic farms and foliage to take in,” said Miller. “I am overseeing the motorcycle ride along with American Legion Post 207 and 338 that will be escorting the Gold Star Families on the ride.”
The Motorcycle Run fee is $10 per rider and $10 per passenger.
Individuals interested in participating in the “ruck” part of the day are asked to pay $10 as well as have their ruck/backpack filled with 22 cans of nonperishable food which will be donated to the Pioneer Valley USO at the end of the event. The cost is $20 to participate in the ruck if food is not donated.
“We will be rucking on the grounds of the famous Wick 338 motocross track,” said Miller, noting that beginners start at 1 p.m. and the advanced group leaves at 1:30. Persons with first, second and third place finishes in both groups will receive awards.
“We will be having a local timing company that will oversee the ruck and does the timing for all participants,” said Miller.
During the afternoon, a magic show is planned, as well as music provided by the Lindsey LaBelle Band. Full Spectrum Shows will provide the professional sound for the entertainment.
“We are still looking for volunteers to help out with parking and other activities throughout the day,” said Miller, noting he can be contacted by calling (413) 378-8541.
Kristina Rodgers is also serving as volunteer coordinator to assist Miller and can be reached for more details by emailing her at [email protected].
Lucille Nason is also volunteering her time to serve as vendor coordinator and notes at press time that food trucks are still needed. For more details, contact Nason via email at [email protected] or send a note to her at 17 Pearl St., Westfield, MA 01085.
“It is important that area residents support an event such as this because this organization supports the many families who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Nason.
Donnie and Michelle Elton, owners of the Gristmill Cafe in town, are among the businesses participating in the day’s events.
“We want to help the organization because we are very veteran and military oriented,” said Donnie Elton. “We will be donating as much as we can to this cause.”
Michelle Elton echoed that sentiment.
“My dad served in Vietnam and he died from Agent Orange,” she said, adding, “I am a Gold Star child.”
Miller noted the event is free for the public to roam around, listen to the music and check out the vendors.
“Persons only need to pay if they are participating in the motorcycle ride or ruck,” said Miller.
For more information on Honor and Remember, visit www.honorandremember.org.
