Hundreds of Disabled Military Vets Bike Through Philadelphia to 9/11 Sites
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - More than 300 disabled veterans and their supporters arrived in Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, on a winding, weeklong trek to all of the 9/11 sites.
With a cheer, the bikers celebrated as they finished off this 56-mile leg of their journey, from Princeton, which began Sunday at Ground Zero in New York City.
Mike McNaughton, who lost a leg and several fingers in a mine blast in Afghanistan, now works for Ride 2 Recovery.
"They not only do the 50 miles, but it's a camaraderie thing -- and it's something that I missed when I got out of the military. I like being with my friends, and here we're all military, we all speak the language. It's like a brotherhood and sisterhood," he told KYW Newsradio.
Nearby, Bill Czyzewski oversaw stowing of his hand-pedaled tricycle. He lost both legs in Vietnam.
"A lot of these guys are Iraq and Afghani veterans, and if this helps any of them not to commit suicide, it's a great thing for them," Czyzewski said.
On Tuesday, it's on to Lancaster, Pa. as they continue their trek.
Reported by John Ostapkovich, KYW Newsradio 1060
