Registration for the Second Annual Live to Tell Ride opened on Sunday, January the 11th and within fifteen minutes numerous motorbikes appeared in the student parking lot of Western High School. Solo motor bikers, biker groups and even their dogs had gathered for their participation in the 26-mile “blessing of the bike” ride to C.B. Smith Park in Plantation.
The event was founded to promote awareness for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to seek aid in halting veteran suicide. Its founder, Janine Lutz, had been deeply affected by the suicide of Janos V. Lutz, her son. Janos had once attended Western High School as a student.
“We’re doing this to raise awareness,” Janine had said when asked her purpose. “We are losing more veterans to suicide than to the battlefield. Since the war on terror began, we’ve lost over 4,000 veterans to suicide.”
Janine later presented staggering facts comparing the number of soldiers killed in action during the war in 2001 versus the number of veterans since 2001 who had commit suicide. The number of suicides had surpassed that of the combat fatalities.
The numbers did not cause any falter in the participating bikers; they were very eager to contribute in this event. “It is a good cause and a bad time.” 2nd time attendee, Al Reynolds, had stated with a shake of his head. “It’s time that the world acknowledged [that] PTSD needs help.”
Even the Mayor of Davie, Judy Paul, arrived to participate in a “Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club” biker jacket. “I’ve supported the foundation since its onset. I’ve supported the cause and how it has given the veterans the attention they need.”
Once the bikers departed from Western and arrived at C.B. Smith Park, they enjoyed guest performances, raffle booths, and other activities. Western High School is proud to have participated in this event and will continue to support it in the years to come.
Story and Photos courtest of Haven McKenney, Contributor
