Thousands of motorcyclists honour the fallen at the National Memorial Arboretum
Thousands of motorcyclists from across the country and overseas made their annual pilgrimage to the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Now in its 18th year, the Ride to the Wall community paid tribute to those who “can no longer ride by our side” with a special Service of Remembrance in memory of the fallen UK Armed Service personnel whose names are engraved on the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial.
Martin Dickinson, founder of Ride to the Wall said: “Each year, thousands come together for Ride to the Wall; not only to honour those whose names are etched into the Armed Forces Memorial, but to ensure their courage and sacrifice are remembered for generations to come.
“Every mile ridden, every contribution given, and every salute along the route helps us keep their legacy alive.”
Having departed from one of the 12 designated start locations around the country, most of the riders arrived in convoy at the Arboretum.
Since the first Ride to the Wall in 2008, participants have raised over £1.83 million to support the Arboretum, the Nation’s year-round place to remember.
This 150-acre estate in the Staffordshire countryside is home to over 420 memorials to those who have served and sacrificed for the Nation, set within gardens, grounds and woodlands.
The funds raised from last year’s Ride to the Wall was the highest to date, totalling £170,000.
Philippa Rawlinson, director of the National Memorial Arboretum said: “There’s nothing quite like the thunder of thousands of motorcycles arriving for Ride to the Wall.
“Riding pillion again this year, I’m reminded of the energy, camaraderie and shared purpose of this remarkable community, and we are deeply thankful for their ongoing support which enables us to remain freely open to all and continue sharing powerful stories of service and sacrifice with generations to come.”
