Vice President Kamala Harris Welcomes Annual Soldier Ride to the White House
A group of more than two dozen veterans and active duty cyclists visited the White House during the annual Soldier Ride this past week. Riding from Annapolis, MD, the warriors took two laps around the South Lawn at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue before meeting Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff
“The service that you have given to our nation—fighting as all of you have, with the best fighting forces in the world, to support and defend all that we as Americans hold dear—is some of the most noble work that any human being could ever do,” Vice President Harris said. “You all represent the best of what we do. You inspire Americans, and you inspire people around the world. And today, you continue being a source of inspiration with this ride.”
Soldier Ride, a Wounded Warrior Project program, was founded in 2004 after two civilians rode over 5,000 miles coast-to-coast to support the Wounded Warrior Project. Their mission was raising awareness about the issues that veterans endure.
Today, Soldier Ride is a nationally recognized adaptive cycling program that encourages veterans to pursue health and wellness goals, build confidence, and foster camaraderie through cycling.
Cyclists taking part in the Soldier Ride began visiting the White House in 2008. Since then, stopping at the White House en route to Virginia has become a tradition of sorts. Like regular group ride rest stops, warriors stopping at the White House exchange stories and experiences.
Veterans riding the Soldier Ride embody the shared experience of military tradition, service and sacrifice. Recognizing their literal and figurative journeys, Vice President Harris said “this ride is a reminder of how far you’ve come and how far you’re going. And we are so inspired to watch it all.”
Before embarking on the rest of the 60-mile route, Staff Sergeant Mark Lalli expressed that the Soldier Ride should be a motivator for other veterans.
“Our hope is to get other warriors on the couch who think, ‘I can’t do that’ to say, ‘You know what, I can ride a bike again, riding a bike is fun. Let’s have fun again, let’s get active again, let’s get moving again,’” said Lalli. “And hopefully that movement will get them out in the communities.”
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