Jul 29, 2007 6:31 pm US/Central
Hundreds Of Bikers Ride In Police Memorial
CBS 2's Mai Martinez and Joanie Lum reports
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The roar of hundreds of motorcycles announced the arrival of the 2007 "Ride to Remember."
A group of Area Four detectives started the event in 2005 and this year, nearly 600 motorcyclists rode from Harrison Area Police Headquarters on the West Side to the Gold Star families Memorial and Park near Soldier Field in honor of fallen officers. The ride kicked off at about 10 a.m.
Organizers were expecting a big turnout since the "Ride" benefits the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which provides money for the families of fallen police officers and for officers injured in the line of duty -- officers such as Hector Silva.
"He would love this. He loved bikes. He had a hot rod," said Silva's brother, Eddie.
Hector Silva died in a training accident in 2001. He left behind a wife and children and a family that still grieves.
"We never forget," said Eddie Silva. "We always have an empty chair -- something missing, the personality...it's different, much different."
Officer Eric Solorio's mother weeps as she sees his name in the memorial. The 26-year-old officer died last year after a traffic accident.
"We miss him all the time," said Juan Mendez, Solrio's cousin. "On days like this we miss him even more."
The motorcyclists provided the ultimate police escort to the memorial where 520 names are engraved.
"You show us how much you love us and care and that's where our healing comes from," said Donna Marquez from Gold Star Families.
In past years, the fundraising event helped pay for the memorial. This year's funds will provide support for the children of police officers.
"It's just going to go to families of those who die in the line of duty or who were catastrophically injured and help them out," said Chicago Police Superintendent Phil Cline.
Riders from across the state and around the nation come to Chicago every year to participate in the ride. Many say it's not only to honor their fallen brothers, but to remind everyone to remember the sacrifices they made.
"It's camaraderie, it's remembering our fallen officers," said biker Bruce Quintos. "It's important to us, it's important to the young officers just coming on the job and most important, it's a remembrance; it's for the families of the fallen officers."
Chicago police officer Van Watts said, "We're honoring each of these police officers that have given their life for the ultimate sacrifice. I think the families will really appreciate that."
The ride ended at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park outside Soldier Field, where there was also a brief ceremony following the ride.
Cline noted CBS 2's disability reporter Jim Mullen as one of the people he would like the foundation to help. Mullen was severely wounded in 1996 when he suffered a gunshot would that left him paralyzed. Cline said he would like to help Mullen's daughter go to college with the foundation.
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