Wounded Veterans Honor 9/11 with 350-Mile Bike Ride

A group of wounded veterans is biking hundreds of miles in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11,2001.

A team of athletes comprised of wounded military personnel adn veterans crossed the finish line together on a 350-mile bike ride in Washington, D.C. Wednesday.

The Achilles Freedom Team’s weeklong relay spanned five northeastern cities, and the memories of the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks were ever-present.

WTOP spoke with two service members severely wounded in action.Despite their injuries, they joined the dozen or so athletes with the Achilles Freedom Team who arrived at the Kennedy Center midday Wednesday.

“Heck of a long ride,” said retired Army Sgt. Omar Duran. “I was blessed to be offered the position to go.”

The team began in Hartford, Connecticut, and visited every chapter of achilles International along the way. The organization provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics.

“Its about camaraderie, it’s about healing, and it’s about remembering those we lost,” said Dan Brown, a marine Corps veteran and Achilles Freedom Team member. “This ride is a tribute to them.”

The team hopes their journey inspires others and raises awareness for the challenges faced by wounded veterans. They also aim to demonstrate the power of perseverance and the importance of community support.

“We’re not defined by our injuries,” Duran added. “We’re defined by what we overcome.”