Riders will pay respects at 9/11 sites

MANALAPAN — Butch Budai has promised never to forget the heroes and victims America lost during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Manalapan resident is keeping his promise through his involvement in America's 9/11 ride, a 500-mile memorial motorcycle ride.

On Aug. 20 the ride will stop at the location in Shanksville, Pa., where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after passengers fought back against hijackers on Sept. 11. It is believed that the hijackers were planning to crash Flight 93 into a target in Washington, D.C.

On Aug. 21 the ride will stop at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., where hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 was flown into the building on Sept. 11, killing passengers, crew members and 125 Pentagon employees.

On Aug. 22 the ride will stop at ground zero in New York City, where hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 were piloted into the two buildings of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, killing thousands of people in the buildings and hundreds of people who came to lower Manhattan to conduct rescue operations.

Budai said he became aware of the 9/11 ride when the procession of motorcyclists drove past his store, Creative Ceramic Tile in East Windsor, in 2003. He researched the America's 9/11 Ride and decided it was something he wanted to become involved with.

The motorcycle ride is sponsored by the America's 9/11 Foundation. According to the foundation's Internet website, the purposes of the ride are to never forget the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and to fund a scholarship program for the children of active first responders.

The foundation also provides assistance to departments in need with equipment and monetary donations when possible and physically assists first responders wherever and whenever called upon.

All proceeds from the ride will benefit the America's 9/11 Foundation scholarship fund. This year the charity has changed the way people can sponsor riders. Donors can now sponsor the rider of their choice through the website www.Americas911ride.org.

The event has special meaning for Budai because he knew many people who were killed on Sept. 11. Among his acquaintances was Todd Beamer, who was a customer at his East Windsor store.

Beamer, a Cranbury resident, was a passenger on Flight 93 who is remembered for his call to action and his last words while on an in-flight phone call, "Are you guys ready? Let's roll."

Budai said he last saw Beamer in his store two weeks before the Sept. 11 attacks. He recalled that as Beamer was getting ready to leave the store he turned to his two sons and said, "Let's roll."

More than 1,200 motorcycle riders with police escorts are expected to participate in this year's 9/11 ride. Budai said, "I still get goose bumps following the route each year."