Week 27 of #52weeksofgiving - We Ride So They Fly x Honor Flight New England
In the spirit of patriotism and Independence Day, LeMay Family Goodworks sponsored the recent We Ride So They Fly Bike Run for week 27 of our #52weeksofgiving project. The annual motorcycle ride took place on Saturday, June 25th, starting at Harley Davidson in Manchester, NH, and ending at Deerhead Sportsmen’s Club in Hooksett. All proceeds benefit Honor Flight New England. Following the ride, participants enjoyed a barbecue at the club along with a live band, raffles, and prizes.
This year’s ride was held in honor of World War II Hero, Sergeant James T. Byron. We were happy to support a wonderful nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s most senior veterans. Learn more about Honor Flight New England and Sergeant Byron below.
About Honor Flight New England
Honor Flight New England joined the national Honor Flight Network in Spring of 2009. The nonprofit honors America’s World War II and Korean War Veterans by transporting them to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials. Every flight is free and funded by generous donors and events like We Ride So They Fly.
These trips are a way to thank these brave men and women, but time is running out. It is estimated that 500 WWII veterans die each day, and many Korean War vets are not far behind in age. Veterans are flown on a first-come, first-served basis. WWII veterans and terminally ill veterans receive priority.
Honor Flight New England Held their first flight on June 13, 2009. The maiden voyage to D.C. included 50 veterans and guardians, 14 of whom were WWII Prisoners of War and five of whom were WWII Heroes. One hero even lost his sight while serving his country.
To date, Honor Flight New England has served over 2,000 veterans. The youngest WWII vet entered the service at just 14 and a half years old after forging his birth certificate. Through their cause, Honor Flight aims to show our most senior heroes that America has not forgotten their sacrifice. The veteran organization also gives family and community members an opportunity to serve those who so bravely served them all those years ago.
About World War II Veteran Sergeant James T. Byron
This year’s We Ride So They Fly participants honored Sergeant James T. Byron, who was only 18 years old when he was drafted and left his family to fight in WWII. He served in the Army from May 1945 to November 1946 and was promoted to Sergeant while stationed in Germany.
During his assignment with Co. C. 288th Engineer Construction Battalion (3rd Army), Sergeant Byron and his squad performed construction and repair of buildings, bridges, and roads. They also conducted demolition work on enemy air raid shelters. He received the Army of Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
Sergeant Byron and his daughter participated in an Honor Flight in May 2016, the year after his wife passed away. He often spoke about how much the American Flag meant to him as an 18 year old boy overseas. He passed away in November 2021 and will always be remembered as a dedicated family man with strong values and love for his country.
How You Can Give Back to WWII & Korean War Veterans
If you are interested in participating in or helping out with future We Ride So They Fly events, you can:
Sponsor the event as an individual or organization
Donate a raffle prize
Become a ride volunteer
Stay updated on next year’s bike run and other events by following them on Facebook or visiting their website today.
You can also support Honor Flight New England directly by:
Making an easy online donation
Volunteering for one of their many opportunities
Helping a WWII or Korean Veteran you know apply for an Honor Flight
Visit Honor Flight New England for more information on how you can support this amazing and urgent cause!
Is there a cause or nonprofit organization that you think we should know about? Contact us to tell us all about it and what it means to you!
