Final 9/11 ride roars through Delaware [photos]

Hundreds of motorcycles passed through Delaware on their way to New York City to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The America’s 911 Foundation was formally established in 2003 following two motorcycle rides from Washington, D.C. to New York City to honor the victims. Since then, the group has held a ride every year with two purposes: “to support those who answer the 911 call and never forget September 11, 2001.

The ride passed through Delaware on Saturday, basically shutting down the highway for short period of time around 10:30 a.m. State Police blocked on-ramps leading to NB I-95 so the riders could pass through unobstructed. Hundreds of riders then traveled over the Delaware Memorial Bridge into New Jersey on the way to their final destination in New York.

In addition to honoring the victims and first responders, the annual ride also raises money. Since it’s inception, the group has presented more than $300,000 in scholarships to children of first responders. This year’s ride will provide 15 young people scholarships worth $2,000 each. The foundation also will present a new Harley Davidson police motorcycle to a local police department who had an officer escorting the riders. 

Organizers have said that this year’s event will be the final ride that the foundation will host.