9/11 Survivors Build Bikes for U.S. Military Children

As the National Day of Service and Remembrance draws near, 500 volunteers and workers from companies affected by 9/11 came together Sept. 6 to assemble bicycles for the children of active duty service members.

The fourth-annual event was organized by the 9/11 Tribute Center in partnership, with the USO, a nonprofit that supports America’s troops and their families.

Community spirit was high among participants, who wanted to create something positive for those involved in ongoing efforts to protect America’s freedoms.

“We wanted to develop a program that would give back to the service members,” said Jessica Herman of USO. She said people want to support the troops, and service members have told the USO that the best way to support them would be to help their families.

The fire department, police department, and their respective commissioners attended the event at the Intrepid Air & Sea Museum. Port Authority police, three Mets players, and a number of sponsors also sent representatives to participate. Everyone there was closely linked to the events of 9/11.

“Everybody ready to build bikes?” said Ray Kennedy of the USO to kick off the event. The crowd responded, “Yes!” The volunteers were organized into teams as they set out to build 400 bikes for the children.

Lee Lelpi, president of the 9/11 Tribute Center, was on the ground 11 years ago in search of his son, who was part of New York Fire Department’s FDNY Squad 288. Three months later he found him. Lee turned his personal tragedy into a day of appreciation and giving.

“Hate won’t work,” he said. “Let’s do something positive. What better than to remember what happened 11 years ago than to do what we are doing today,” he said. “By doing events like this it helps get it out of the system.”

Chief John Ryan and other well-built men of the Port Authority Police Department set to work on a bike suited for a 5- or 6-year-old.

“I have fond memories when I saw my son and daughter ride their bike for the first time,” Ryan said. Ryan lost 37 men on 9/11 and spent nine months in the recovery efforts.

“It’s great to help out,” added officer Bryan Ross.

The New York Fire Department was well represented as Dan Squire, 46, of Ladder 4, set his men to work. The well-tuned crew dutifully topped the day’s record, assembling 16 bikes.

“These men and women did a great thing and this is our way to give back,” said Squire, who was on the ground 11 years ago and lost 15 men.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Fire Department Commissioner Salvatore Cassano arrived later in the day to show their support and commend the volunteers’ efforts. Three Mets players—Mike Baxter, Dillon Gee, and Bobby Parnell—also attended, to ensure quality control.

BNY Melon, an investment management company, was the main sponsor of the event. The company has deep roots in the downtown area dating back to its foundation in 1784. A number of its employees died on 9/11 and many more were part of the rescue efforts.

Within an hour of sending out the email there was overwhelming support for participating in the event, said Chris Carney, BNY Melon volunteer coordinator. Despite date and location changes, 350 employees turned up to build bicycles.

The bicycles will be distributed to the children of active duty service members at three locations in North Carolina: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg Army Installation, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

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