Alyssa Ridenour
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Wednesday, April 21, at approximately 10 a.m., a “roar of thunder” could be heard and the courthouse circle blocked off, as over 30 bikers passed through Monticello on their way to the American Legion Post 224, in Cherry Lake. The group was part of a ride raising awareness for Veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. The group also made stops to American Legion Post 107 in Live Oak and Post 57 in Lake City.
The movement is called the Unity Ride and consists of two motorcycle groups running two routes; a north route and a south route. The group that travelled the north route made a pit stop for lunch at American Legion Post 224 and later travelled through Monticello. "It was great being able to showcase three of the posts in our area and for them to host either a meal or a rest stop for these riders,” said Third District Commander Stuart Scott. “I was on the ride with them from Lanark Village through Lake City. Just in the Third District, they were able to raise $2,300."
Their website explains the movement as follows: “We’re addressing an important issue that affects Veterans and their families; suicide. Our mission for the Unity Ride is to raise awareness and funds to end veteran suicide. This campaign allows everyone to participate and make an impact: register to ride with us, create a page to raise money and earn cool prizes or make a donation.”
Studies show that an average of 22 United States Veterans commit suicide daily, many of which are related to PTSD. Funds from the Unity Ride go to support Veterans struggling with PTSD by providing monetary assistance to programs that offer counseling, group activities, service animals and other resources.
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