Veteran 'riders' from U.S and Canada unite

OFF THE WIRE
Source: forterietimes.ca
By Kris Dubé

Last Saturday, members of a variety of motorcycle-riding veterans and the U.S. Marines gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 71 to honour the life of a fellow war veteran.
As local residents drove past the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 71 last Saturday, many probably asked why there were hundreds of motorcycles parked out front.

Inside the local branch, a memorial service for John Shannon, a Vietnam War veteran from the U.S but with ties to Niagara who recently lost his battle with cancer, was being honoured through a ceremony.

The event was attended by groups such as the North Wall Riders, the Patriot Guard Riders, the First Cavalry Riders and the American Legion Riders, all of whom are comprised of motorcycle-riding war veterans.

Sam Stark, branch 71 president, said this is the first time ever groups like this from both sides of the border have come together to pay tribute to a fallen comrade on Canadian soil.
"People have come from just about everywhere," said Stark, citing the attendance of people from Pennsylvania, Windsor, Rochester and Syracuse, to name a few.

Stark said he is proud to be able to host the event on behalf of Br. 71 and hopes this will inspire other branches to invite the groups of riders when honouring a fallen soldier.

"This is something that should happen with every passing," he said.

John Post, a member of the American Legion Riders and veteran of the Vietnam war said "it truly is an honour" to be a part of the event.

"We want to honour this soldier and help the family memorialize him," said Post, who spent almost 35 years in the U.S. Army.

Mike Lepine, also a Vietnam vet and member of the North Wall Riders, said he is always glad to pay homage to someone who fought for freedom, because they did so much for today's society.

"All gave some and some gave all," said Lepine.

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He said this event is special because of the relationship Canada and the U.S. have with one another and is something citizens from both nations should be very proud of.

"We both serve our countries proudly," he said.