Thousands of motorcyclists from across the country and overseas have made the annual Ride to the Wall pilgrimage.
The bikers travelled to the National Memorial arboretum for a special service of remembrance at the Armed Forces Memorial.
Now in its 16th year, the Ride to the Wall community paid tribute to those who “can no longer ride by our side” as well as raising funds for the arboretum.
Martin Dickinson, founder of Ride to the Wall, said:
“Each year we gather at Ride to the Wall to reflect and remember those who can no longer ride by our side, ensuring that the names on the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial are never forgotten.
“We want to help make sure that the National Memorial Arboretum can continue to share the stories of those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
“Since its inception 16 years ago, Ride to the Wall has raised funds toward the ongoing upkeep of the National Memorial Arboretum, ensuring that the site can continue to be free to access and remain a fitting place of Remembrance for all who have served our country.”
Martin Dickinson
After travelling from across the UK and abroad, most of the riders arrived in convoy after departing from one of 11 designated start locations around the country.
As the motorcycles approached the Arboretum they were greeted by David Sheaf, a veteran of Northern Ireland, who every year braves the weather, standing to attention for five hours to salute every rider as they pass.
The 2023 Ride to the Wall commemorations featured performances from piper Leif Findlay and vocalists Abigail Carter-Simpson, Gari Glaysher and Oliver Moriarty.
The Service of Remembrance commenced with a flypast of World War Two-era Spitfire fighter aircraft and concluded with a minute’s silence, laying of wreaths and the national anthem performed by the British Army Band Colchester.
Since the first Ride to the Wall in 2008, participants have raised over £1.5million to support the National Memorial Arboretum.
Philippa Rawlinson, director of the Alrewas centre for remembrance, said:
“This is my fifth Ride to the Wall and third year riding pillion as part of the Drayton Manor ride, yet this unique and poignant event never ceases to amaze me.
“The rumble of engines can be heard across our 150-acre site from early in the morning and thousands of motorcycles processing into the Arboretum remains an incredible sight.
“Each of the riders has come here to pay their respects to fallen comrades and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, remembering those who can no longer ride by our side.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity of everyone who participates in Ride to the Wall – their support is essential to ensuring that we can continue to pass the baton of remembrance to future generations and remain a place for people to celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost in service, freely open to all.”
Philippa Rawlinson
