The purpose of the rally, according to organizer John Kikol, is to acknowledge the sacrifices of active military members, veterans from wars past and present, and Ohio’s Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in combat or active duty.
“The rally wants to emphasize that we must continue to express our never-ending support and prayers for our active military and their safe return to their families,” he added in a press release.
An estimated 1,000 motorcyclists are expected to attend the rally.
Featured guests at the event, which is free and open to the public, include Monica Robins of WKYC-TV, who will be master of ceremonies and will open the rally by singing the national anthem.
Speakers include Marine Lt. Col Thomas H. Chalkley, inspector-instructor of the Third Battalion, 25th Marine Reserve Regiment in Brook Park; Matthew Slater, director of Veteran Services and Valor Homes; Michele Weiland, facility director of the Lorain VA Outpatient Clinic; Edward Pfahl, Vietnam Army veteran; and Jack Newman, 30-year Navy veteran, representing the Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT).
At the conclusion of the speakers’ remarks, the names of 279 service members from Ohio who were killed in Iraq or Afghanistan will be read, and saluted with a 21-gun salute and taps.
A post-rally party will be held at Cleveland Rock ‘N’ Roll City Harley Davidson, 4985 West 150th St., in Brook Park.