Wounded Warriors on Epic Normandy Ride

Veteran Nathan Hunt

This week, 130 injured U.S veterans, with spouses, family members and supporters, have been cycling around Normandy’s historic landmarks.

This is no sedate trip around country lanes, but a grueling, six day, 240 mile ride, interspersed with history lessons.

The cyclists, many of whom are amputees, ride a mixture of hand cycles, tandems and traditional road bikes.

Veterans fold a 48 star flag, courtesy David Ashe

“This is not a race, it’s a ride” said Debora Spano, the Ride 2 Recovery spokes-person, “We help these injured warriors to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. When the ride is over, they take their bikes home and keep training.


We chose Normandy because of it’s glorious past and the connection between the sacrifices of ‘The Greatest Generation’ and those of our modern day heroes. Our riders have just devoured all this history.”

“I stood looking at the rows of white graves in the American cemetery, over 9000 and I thought, these guys did this for us” said Medal of Honor recipient, Salvatore Giunta of Iowa. Sal is the first living recipient of the nation’s highest award since The Vietnam war, a volunteer with Ride 2 Recovery and a great source of encouragement for all his comrades.

Tourists and locals looked on in amazement as the riders rolled into the famous town of Sainte Mere Eglise. “We will never forget how you Americans gave us back our freedom,” said Mayor Lefevre in his address to the group, “I just wish you could stay with us longer.”

Kenny Butler lines up with fellow veterans

The riders did have time to visit the local museum and participate in the folding of a 48 star WWII flag, before heading off on yet another leg of their epic journey.

The ride will finish in Caen on Wednesday July 6^th, but, as a reward for all their exertions, the riders will be at the finish line of Stage 6 of the ‘Tour de France’ in Lisieux, Normandy on Thursday July 7^th.

With their awe inspiring display of endurance and determination, the riders have won the hearts of the people of Normandy, just as their forefathers did 67 years ago.

The trip was made possible by United Healthcare and American Airlines, Air Compassion for Veterans.

Livingbattlefield.org