Chapters 377, 480, and 704 Sponsor Tribute Ride

In July, Chapters 377, 480, and 704 along with Blue Knights Chapter 17 will sponsor the 9th Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway of Valor Tribute Ride in Owego, NY. 

The New York State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway of Valor was dedicated on Veterans Day 2009 by the NY state legislature in recognition of the service and sacrifices of those who served in the Vietnam War. The approximately 100 mile stretch of highway, also known as NY State Route 38, was specifically chosen because it runs through the center of the state and is near the memorials of two Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients.

Groton, NY is one of the planned stops for the Tribute Ride and was the family home of 2LT Terrence Graves, USMC. He was killed in action by an enemy sniper as he led his squad to helicopters that were waiting to take them away from danger.

SP4 Robert F. Stryker, US Army called Throop, NY home. He, too, died in combat when he sacrificed himself on an exploding grenade near Loc Ninh. Stryker’s brave actions saved the lives of six of his men.

Both of these relatively unknown, posthumous Medal of Honor recipients with local ties have memorials near the Tribute Ride route.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway of Valor Tribute Ride was begun in October 2009 for veterans and the public alike to become aware that this particular stretch of highway exists to honor Vietnam veterans. It is the only state highway of its kind for New York’s Vietnam veterans.

Over 300 motorcyclists will converge in Owego, stop through Groton, and terminate the 9th Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway of Valor Tribute Ride in Hannibal, NY on July 15th. The free event will have food and entertainment at each of the stops, along with cheers from those on the sidelines.

---

---

---