Thousands of bikers made a pilgrimage to the National Memorial Arboretum this weekend, to remember those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice.
They rode to the Armed Forces Memorial, where more than 16,000 names are carved into the wall to honour those who were killed on duty, died in operational theatres, or were targeted by terrorists.
Many of the riders at the memorial were veterans, serving personnel, or family members of the fallen.
Riders donate to take part, and combined with other fundraising, more than £1.8million has been raised for the National Memorial Arboretum since the event began in 2008.
6,000 names are carved into the wall to honour those who’ve been killed whilst on duty
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GB NEWS
The Managing Director at the National Memorial Arboretum, Philippa Rawlinson, told The Peoples Channel “it’s an honour to take part”‘.
She said: “It’s a sense of camaraderie, it’s remembrance, it’s uniting people, and importantly for the Arboretum as a charity, raising funds for us.
“I’m really excited and honoured. Rather than just welcoming the riders, which I had the privilege of doing back in 2019 during my first year here, being asked to be part of the community is something very special that I treasure dearly.”
Over 7000 people and more than 5,500 bikes rode to the Arboretum, many decorated with a national or regimental flag.
For people attending, it was a chance to reunite with former comrades, and think about those who never made it home.
Veteran and Founder of Ride to the Wall, Martin Dickinson, told GB News why he wanted to start the event.
Dave ‘Brumbo’ Burridge was overcome with emotion at the event
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GB NEWS
He said: “I felt it was a way of not modernising remembrance, but making remembrance more contemporary.
“I call it live remembrance because if someone in the Armed Forces dies today, it impacts three generations.
“Different years have different feelings, and the feeling I had today just as we pulled into the NMA was one I’ve never had before, and it was quite an emotional feeling.”
People rode to the Arboretum from across the UK and Europe. For veterans Phil and Dave, it was a journey all the way from Alicante in Spain.
Royal Navy veteran Phil told GB News about his memories from the journey.
He said: “It’s the times we had together. People shed tears here, and it’s the only place I know where men shed tears.
“All servicemen are part of that huge group and you never let it go.”
People rode to the Arboretum from across the UK and Europe
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GB NEWS
Dave “Brumbo” Burridge, a Royal Marine Commando veteran, described one the most emotional moments he’s had since doing the Ride to the Wall.
He said: “One year I came here, and all the time I’ve been at the wall I’ve seen names.
“I went to lay a wreath, saluted, and walked back, and as I looked up the wall, I saw the names of two of my friends who had died. It’s the emotion of it that’s getting to me now.”