Our Benghazi Memorial Ride this year was a bigger event than past years. This year, our ride covered five counties, three states and was 100 miles long. We had the largest number of motorcycles (about 80) of any year since we started in 2013.

Thanks to all the patriotic men and women who showed up to support us, and special thanks to all riders who stayed with us until the end. The showing of the movie, “13 Hours; The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” a magnificent film production that tells the story of that deadly night in shocking detail, was the capstone of the day.

Many politicians steer clear of participating in our event because of the political implications. I’d like to recognize the local leaders who did participate.

Paul Leek, county manager, extended a warm welcome to us in Hayesville, N.C. (Clay County).

Likewise, our sincere thanks goes to City Councilman TC Dyer, a veteran, who gave inspiring remarks in the town square in Blairsville, Ga. (Union County).

Law enforcement support was tremendous from Towns, Clay, Union and Cherokee counties. A very special thanks to Sheriff Chris Clinton of Towns County who helped us with our opening ceremony in Hiawassee, Ga. followed by a police escort of our motorcade out of town en route to the next county.

We’re very grateful to Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer who spoke to us in the Henn Theatre (in Murphy, Cherokee County) prior to the showing of the movie. Sheriff Palmer told the story of Francis Scott Key’s witness of the British naval attack on Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. He described in detail how the defenders of Fort McHenry were able to keep “Old Glory” flying despite the devastating destruction and loss of American lives.

The story is important in the understanding of the significance of the lyrics of The Star Spangled Banner (our National Anthem) and for this reason. That battered flag remained standing because the bodies of the dead soldiers stacked up at its base kept the pole and flag standing. From that day forward, it became the custom never to let the flag touch the ground in honor of the human and selfless sacrifice of the men defending Fort McHenry.

Next year, the Sons of Liberty Riders will have another event to commemorate the lives of the Benghazi Four. The exact location of the ride and itinerary can be found on our Facebook tribute page where we post all photos and videos of our events
(911BenghaziMemorialRide). We hope to have an even larger crowd and perhaps we’ll discover more leaders with the courage to speak out on behalf of justice.

– article submitted by Dick Shaughnessy