Support For Soldier Ride Swamps Sag Harbor

The 9th annual Soldier Ride bicycle trek took over the town of Sag Harbor today. With temperatures reaching nearly 90 degrees and the longer course route of 60 miles cancelled, nearly 1000 riders— some veterans and others just supportive community members— came out to show their support. This year’s Soldier Ride, a four day cycling event put on by the Wounded Warrior Project, was held in the memory of Marine Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter of Sag Harbor, who was killed at the age of 19 protecting his fellow marines in Ramadi Iraq in 2008. For his bravery he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Shannan North, President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 388 in Sag Harbor, who helped organize the event and spoke during the memorial proceedings, commented that “This ride started out hear and is named after Jordan.”

“It’s important to Sag Harbor because one of our own lost his life,” North said, “We’re proud to contribute what we can to the Wounded Warrior Project. We need to remember, not just today, everyday the sacrifices made by men and women around the world for our freedom.”

JoAnn Lyles, Lance Corporal Haerter’s mother, said, “The support is wonderful, it feels great.” 

“It’s fantastic, not just for Jordan, but for all the wounded soldiers,” Lyles said, “It’s a wonderful event because it also acts as physical therapy for those still recovering. Also, it really is a community event, there’s no way this could get done without all the volunteers and donated supplies.” 

Leslee Eberhart, one such volunteer from Post 388 and wife of a Vietnam veteran said, “This event is about more than Sag Harbor, it shows the spirit of being an American and being Patriotic. This is a way of showing that despite losing a member of our community, we’re keeping his memory alive and also that of everyone else who’s been lost.”

Soldier Ride, started at Ocean View Farm on Montauk Highway in Amagansett. At 8:30 a.m. Riders gathered for a tribute to Haerter at Marine Park after all the cyclists arrive in the village at 10:30 a.m. "A lap of heroes" on Main Street was then held at 11 a.m. A helicopter dropped a wreath and the Eastern Long Island Police Pipe and drum played as cyclists continued on the route, over the Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter Memorial Bridge to North Haven. The ride then continued back up Route 114, through East Hampton Village and onto Amagansett.

 All proceeds from entrance fees and tickets to tonight’s “Rock the Farm” event at Ocean View Farm go back to the Wounded Warrior Project.