Veterans groups, fire departments, scouts, athletic organizations and individuals are being asked to set aside some time on Fri., July 25 to support Soldier Ride, a Wounded Warrior Project organized to raise awareness of the brave young men and women who served our country and were severely injured. The Soldier Ride is a rehabilitative cycling program to help these veterans reinvigorate their bodies and to show them how much life still has to offer. It kicks off with a ceremony at 9 a.m., at Babylon Town Hall, and the ride starts at 10 a.m. It travels from Babylon Town Hall on Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, west to South Wellwood Avenue, then south to Hoffman Avenue, which turns into Oak Street. From there it heads west to Route 110, then south to Montauk Highway and west through the Massapequas to the Jones Beach Bike Path in Wantagh and to Cedar Beach. Organizers hope that all along the ride route, individuals and groups will be on hand to show their support and gratitude to these American heroes.

"I rode with a group of these men and women in Washington D.C., and it was just amazing," said Don McVeety, of the S.C. Police Department's First Precinct Brotherhood, which is involved in the project. "Their attitude is optimistic. They recognize what happened to them and just want to get on with their lives." "We often get telephone calls from our readers who ask if we know of any way in which they can support our troops," said Alfred James, publisher of the Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon and Massapequa Post newspapers. "I can't think of a better way to let each and every one of them know how much we appreciate their service and their sacrifice than to be a part of this event." Individuals or groups who would like more information on the Soldier Ride can call Town of Babylon at 631-957-3000 or go to www.woundedwarriorpoject.org.