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The event was first organized last year by Gerry McGrath, a co-worker and friend of McFarland. As McGrath manned the microphone this year, he made sure that all our first-responders were honored along with their fallen friends.

McGrath began the opening ceremonies by introducing the Patriot Guard, a group of people dedicated to caring for their country. They attend the funerals of our heroes to support their effort and make sure that there are no interferences on the day of reverence.

“What you're doing at home matters,” McGrath said, reading a letter from a Patriot Guard who is currently on duty in Iraq.

McGrath recognized the recently lost Sgt. Kenneth Gibson, a former citizen of Christiansburg. His father, Rob Gibson, is a MRH employee.

“Stand for Kenneth, who stood for us,” McGrath said to the crowd.

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McGrath called forward the tiers of our first-responders: Active and retired military; federal and local state police and security; and firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The Patriot Guard shook the hands of all and thanked them for their work as the crowd cheered them on.

The two lead bikes were rode to the front of the crowd, displaying our nations' colors on their backs. The wives of Derrick and Eric were invited forward to hold the flags as 'Amazing Grace' was played on the bagpipes and everyone bowed their heads. Tears streamed down faces as everyone remembered the spirits lost on that fateful day two years ago.

As the opening ceremonies came to an end and the ride was about to commence, the crowd was reminded that safety comes first when out on the roadway. Motorcycle riders were encouraged to stick together, play it safe and have a good trip. The large crowd of bikes filed out of the hospital parking lot and onto the roadway. They traveled to Floyd, Hillsville, Pulaski and back to MRH for a celebration of life.

Proceeds from the Poker Run were distributed to the families of those lost. In addition, there was a 50/50 raffle. The money collected from that was given to the brother of the MRH Secretary Clerk of the Emergency Room. He is a veteran with a double below-knee amputation. In a recent house fire, he lost  everything, including his pets and prosthetic legs.

McGrath hopes the traditional memorial ride will continue for years to come and that the crowd will grow in size and faith throughout its duration.

Photos by Larry Middleton

Comments (1)

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McFarland/Sutphin Memorial Ride
written by Memorial Ride Fan, August 17, 2008

Thanks for the report. I was there, thankfully. Such a great crowd, joining with professionals of all sorts. Subdued at times, but joyous. Truly inspiring; there's a lot of folks that care. Very well coordinated, from Mr. McGrath and MRH staff to the State and local police. My thanks to all, especially the Sutphin and McFarland families.

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