By Bruce Kropp and Cole Wimberly
Nearly 60 bicyclists taking part in the Gold Star Mission Ride from Metropolis to Rockford made a rest stop in the front parking lot of Salem Community High School on Wednesday.
Former Gold Star Mission President and Ride Captain Matt Jones said that the more than 500-mile ride started as a way to honor the original 34 fallen from Illinois since 9/11. According to Jones, it’s a tough ride.
“It’s hard,” he said. “It’s enjoyable, but it’s hard, but it’s nothing compared to what these families have felt.”
Three Gold Star mothers are part of the trip including Vonda Rodgers of Bloomington. She lost her son, Sgt. Joshua Rodgers, in Afghanistan in April of 2017. Rodgers has been part of the group since its beginning around the time her son was lost. She described some of the work she’s involved in to honor fallen heroes.
“We are creating a fallen hero history project,” Rodgers said. “We do videos of fallen heroes, I think we have ten out there and three in production. We also do a scholarship; it’s a $1,000 scholarship and we award each one in the name of a fallen hero. Students or adults who are returning back to school receive not only the check for $1,000, but also a memorial bracelet and the story of a fallen hero so that they can carry the story forward of the price of our freedom.”
The ride included a group from Poland which deploys with the Illinois National Guard on missions. The ride was also honoring nine Polish soldiers killed in the line of duty since 9-11. Memiret was leading the group from Poland that included high school students, their teachers, and principal.
“We really enjoyed being a part of this ride,” Memiret said. “I think it’s a great idea. There are great people here and they do great things. We are proud to be a part of this.”
Some Gold Star Mothers have also traveled to Poland to be part of a similar remembrance there.
SCHS Student Council members helped direct the bicyclists into the school and served snacks and refreshments.
Salem Community High School Principal John Boles talked to the group as they were preparing to leave the front drive of the high school.
“On behalf of Salem Community High School, we cannot thank you enough for being here,” Boles said. “Going above and beyond like you have, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice that you and your family have made. We hope these generations never forget the sacrifice you and your family have made. Safe travels, and once again, thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”
A group chant followed, first in English and then in Polish.
The group then resumed their trip north on Route 37 taking their next rest break at South Central High School in Farina. Salem Mayor Pro Tem Jim Koehler said he was ‘tickled to death’ that the group picked Salem for one of their stops. One of the organizers told the student council members after the group left that this is one of the best they’ve ever had.
Participants stand in front of Salem Community High School. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Refreshments provided to riders. Photo by Cole Wimberly.
Cyclists on the road. Photo by Cole Wimberly.
