Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride 2012
Ottawa, ONTARIO- On Saturday, June 30th , 2012, the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders
(CVFR) teamed up with the Royal British Legion Riders Branch and the American Legion
Riders for the Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride. The ride was in remembrance of our fallen
heroes from the Commonwealth Forces, past and present, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The ride started three years ago in the U.K. In the 2 nd year, the ride added an event in Texas,
USA and in the 3rd year, the CVFR agreed to participate.
This was the second year for Canada, and not only the National Capital Region, but also Calgary.
Each unit held the same event at the same time and on the same date. This event saw bikers from
across the United Kingdom, United States and Canada united in a ride to remember those who
lost their lives in the service of their countries, truly an international event.
The ride to the Green Island British Commonwealth Air Training Plan memorial on Sussex saw
a total of 40 riders and passengers congregate. A short service took place at 11 a.m. led by our
own CVFR Padre, during the service our own CVFR piper. Capt Terry Hunter played Amazing
Grace and the Lament. Once the event concluded, the majority rode to the Orlean’s Legion for a
BBQ, hosted by Solange, who graciously donated her time in looking after the BBQ.
The ride raised a total of $2000 that was presented to Camp Maple Leaf . The cheque was
presented by the CVFR National President who rode from Ottawa to Peterbourgh to make the
presentation in person. It will be used to buy much need equipment and other items for use by
the people using the camp.
I want to express my sincere thanks to the following groups who donated the money that enabled
us to achieve our goal of $2000 - the Union of Taxation Employees - $500, The Red Ribbon
Forces - $300, CVFR Calgary - $500 and Andy's RV in Arnprior - $100. The remainder was
raised during the event and after the expenses were paid, we had the $2000 we had set as the
goal.
Thanks also to the various groups and individual riders who participated:
UN/NATO;
Fallen Sappers Motorcycle Club;
The Canadian Army Veterans;
the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers; and
the Canadian Veterans Freedom Riders Ottawa, Aylmer and PEI to name a few, and the
individual riders and passengers, without whom the event would not have succeeded.
This year we were also privileged to be able to send members from the CVFR Kingston unit to
participate in the AMRR ride in New Hampshire, they represented the CVFR and also Canada in
showing our support for our American brothers and sisters.
The AMRR will take place in 2013 on the same date and the same time, we are hoping to have
Australia and New Zealand participate, and there is a rumour that India may also hold an AMRR
service in their country.
Thanks again, until next year.
Michael Blow aka “Smokey”
Canadian AMRR coordinator
CVFR National President.
AMRR 06 - Katrina (Stryker) Hunter of CVFR PEI
CaCapt Terry (Highlander)
Hunter and Gladys (Mariposa) Gutarra of CVFR Ottawa at the
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Memorial in Ottawa