www.fourscore.org Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project | |
Readshaw's raiders | |
news release--Readshaw predicts "river of American flags" | |
departments |
|
|
|
»mission
statement
related links |
CONTACT: Jay Purdy (717) 787-7895 HARRISBURG, September 17--State Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, today
said he expects upwards of 1,000 Pennsylvania motorcyclists to
participate Saturday in the Harrisburg to Gettysburg Pennsylvania
chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education ride to raise
funds for his Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project and the
historic Daniel Lady Farm in Gettysburg.
Readshaw said A.B.A.T.E. has asked participants to attach American
flags to their motorcycles and wear patriotic clothing and decorations
in support of the nation's fight against terrorism.
Readshaw is raising funds for perpetual care trusts to provide for
future maintenance and repair needs of the 146 Pennsylvania regimental
monuments and markers on the Gettysburg battlefield.
In addition to pledges from A.B.A.T.E. chapters and supporting
businesses, each participant in the Saturday ride will contribute a
registration fee of $10 to the preservation cause.
Many members of A.B.A.T.E. are veterans of the Vietnam War.
"With the nation gearing up to punish the terrorist organizations
behind the killing last week of thousands of Americans, the
significance of the ride has increased tenfold," said Readshaw. "Our
goal is to preserve the monuments to the Pennsylvanians who responded
to the epic crisis of their era, the Civil War.
"Through their bravery and sacrifice, the America we defend today
resulted. We cannot forget their commitment, just as we will not want
future generations to forget the victims and heroes of last week's
horrendous acts of terrorism."
Readshaw said he welcomes the participation of state Rep. Teresa
Forcier, R-Crawford, who will ride her motorcycle in the Saturday
rally.
"It's yet another indication of the nonpartisan nature we have
maintained all along in the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments
Project," said Readshaw. "Just as all Americans are responding in
solidarity to the threat of terrorism, Pennsylvanians of all political
persuasions are active in the work to preserve the monuments to an
earlier generation of Commonwealth heroes."
Readshaw also will mount a machine for the trek to Gettysburg, though
it will take a bit of divine intervention to make sure he arrives
there safely. The Rev. Dr. David R. Landis, motorcyclist and pastor of
the Word of Grace Ministries on Progress Avenue in Harrisburg, has
invited the representative to ride as his passenger.
Various A.B.A.T.E. chapters across the Commonwealth, and a number of
businesses, including Harley-Davidson, have already pledged nearly
$5,000 to the ride.
Readshaw emphasized that the event is open to all motorcyclists.
Registration will be open to the force's departments for Gettysburg.
Each registered participant will receive a Readshaw's Raiders T-shirt.
Registration will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veteran's
Memorial Fountain on Commonwealth Avenue behind the Capitol Building
in Harrisburg. The procession will roar to life at 1 p.m.
The approximately one-hour journey will end at the Daniel
Lady Farm on Hanover Road in Gettysburg for a ceremony and lunch of
hot dogs and sodas.
Registration forms are available at numerous motorcycle dealerships
across the state. |
more information: Readshaw and the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project may be contacted by e-mail at gettysburg@pahouse.net or by phone, 717-783-0411.More information about the motorcyclists' ride to Gettysburg can be obtained by calling ABATE at 717-234-3777 or Readshaw's Harrisburg office at 717-783-0411 or by e-mail at gettysburg@pahouse.net. |