Torches Across America is a motorcycle ride for all motorcycle and trike riders who want to show their respect to everyone who lost their lives and to the family's who lost their loved ones on that sad morning of September 11, 2001.

We also will show joy to all the heroes of that day, "First Responders" because they represent what America is all about.

We will show support for the men and women in our Armed Forces for putting their lives on the line for our freedom. We always celebrate when our troops come home but some of these men and women might not come home, so lets show them how grateful we are of them right now.

Torches Across America is not a ride for any charity it is a ride from our hearts and to show our pride for the freedom we have living in this great country.

Torches Across America will take eleven days and will start on the west coast. You can ride the whole trip, just through your state or for a few miles when it comes in your area . Even if you can not take time to ride on the ride, everyone is welcome to be with us at any of the stops we make going across the country.



click button

These American cities have made 9-11 a Recognition Day
for their cities' FIRST CALL RESPONDERS

Why is your city NOT listed here {below}???
      Contact your cities' City Manager/Administrator's office (Copy/Paste to a .txt or .doc file with the sample resolutions, as shown in the right-hand column) requesting the Mayor and the City Council to pass a Resolution making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their Cities' First Call Responders.
      Once approved and accepted, have the Manager/Administrator contact you when the next Council Meeting will be in session so you may be there.
      In all likelihood, you may be requested a 2-3 minute slot to elaborate on Torches Across America's cross-country motorcycle ride and it's concept behind making 9-11 a Recognition Day for all FIRST CALL RESPONDERS.

Albuquerque, New Mexico ~ Mayor Martin J. Chavez, and City Council on August 1, 2005. I thank Mayor Martin J. Chavez and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I also want to thank riders Jim (Cyber) Grant and Rick Parsons for making this happen. They were both the New Mexico State Coordinators last year for TAA. Rick Parsons and Paul Elam are the New Mexico State Coordinators for TAA this year.

Branson West, Missouri ~ City Council in 2005. I read about it in the newspaper. I do not know any of them but I do thank them for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Branson West is the only city in America I know of so far that has did this without me or any riders that I know of asking them to do it.

Cambridge, Ohio ~ Mayor Samuel A Salupo has told Danna Rush 9/11 will become a Recognition Day for their cities First Call Responders. I thank Mayor Samuel A. Salupo and and City Council very much for being of there cities First Call Responders. I also want to thank Cambridge, Ohio Holiday Inn Manager, Danna Rush and the rest of the employees at the Cambridge Holiday Inn for making this happen.

Fairborn, Ohio ~ Mayor Thomas H. Nagel, and City Council on August 12, 2005. I thank Mayor Thomas H. Nagel and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I also want to thank riders Les and Nancy Knauer for making this happen. Les Knauer is the Ohio State Coordinator for TAA.

Branson, Missouri ~ Mayor Louis E. Schaefer and the City Council on February 13, 2006. I thank Mayor Louis E. Schaefer and the City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I also want to thank the Branson Chamber of Commerce for making this happen.

Forsyth, Missouri ~ Mayor Karl A. Smith, and City Council on February 20, 2006. I thank Mayor Karl A. Smith and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Thank you for the wonderful evening and support.

Hollister, Missouri ~ Mayor Dave G. Tate, was the third Mayor in America to pass a Resolution making September 11 a "Recognition Day" for Hollister’s First Call Responders on March 3, 2005. I thank Mayor Dave G. Tate and City Council for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Mayor Dave Tate fixed all of us hamburgers the day we road through Hollister on the 2004 ride.

Kimberling City, Missouri ~ Mayor Gary P. Conway, was the second Mayor in America to pass a Resolution making September 11 a "Recognition Day" for Kimberling City’s First Call Responders on February 15, 2005. I thank Mayor Gary P. Conway and City Council for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Mayor Gary Conway helped us put together a ride for our National Guard and Army Reserve in 2004.

Kingman, Arizona ~ Mayor Monica Gates, was the first Mayor in America to pass a Resolution making September 11 a "Recognition Day" for Kingman’s First Call Responders on January 18, 2005. I thank Mayor Monica Gates and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank Mother Road Harley-Davidson and the Kingman Chamber of Commerce for inviting her to be a speaker. I also thank all the riders in and around Kingman for your help in making this happen and for your support every year the ride comes through Kingman.

The goal I had set to get 9/11 to become a National Recognition Day for First Call Responders had failed as we started the 2004 TAA ride. Not one congressman or senator I contacted would help. So at this time I gave up trying to attain this goal.

When Kingman, Arizona's Mayor Monica Gates was addressing us, she said that she would try and make 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for First Call Responders. At that moment I knew there was still hope in making 9/11 become a National Recognition Day for them. I can never thank Mayor Monica Gates enough for what she started.

Lakeport, California ~ Mayor Robert L. Rumfelt, and City Council on February 21, 2006. I thank Mayor Robert L. Rumfelt and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank California Congressman Mike Thompson, for his remarks placed in the { U.S. Congressional Record }. Also, I thank riders John Norcio, Robert Jordan, Larry & Suzanne Schnider for making this happen. Lets all have dinner in Old Town San Diego before the ride this year.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson [in 2006] ~ Governor Bill Richardson made sure it was a "Recognition Day" for all First Call Responders in the State of New Mexico.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson [in 2005] ~ Governor Bill Richardson made sure it was a "Recognition Day" for all First Call Responders in the State of New Mexico. We are asking him to do the same in 2006. I thank rider Jim (Cyber) Grant for making this happen.

Nixa, Missouri ~ Mayor, Doug Marrs and Nixa Board of Aldermen passed Resolution 2007-44 on April 9,2007 making 9/11 a Recondition Day for all First Call Responders. A special thank you to Coralee Patrick. She is the Nixa, Missouri City Clerk and a super person as well. She went the extra mile on this and it is appreciated by all of us.

Oceanside, California ~ Mayor Jim Wood, and City Council on August 17, 2005. I thank Mayor Jim Wood and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I think riders Mike Lee, Wayne Forester, Peter & Roseanne Nash and Glen Ottman for making this happen. As most of you all know Mike Lee is a Firefighter at Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Mike Lee and Wayne Forester are both TAA State Coordinators for California. Wayne Forester, Peter & Roseanne Nash and Glenn Ottman are all members of the CMA. Without these riders there would be no starting of the TAA ride in California.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ~ Special thanks to Pennsylvania Representative, Stan Saylor {contacted by Frank Kiehner}, requesting the resolution declaring September 12, 2007, as "Emergency Responder Day" in Pennsylvania .. He was the main driving force in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to make this come about. I also want to give special to all the other Pennsylvania Representatives for passing this resolution unanimously.

Reeds Spring, Missouri ~ Mayor Pro-Tem Paul E. Lear, and City Council on February 7, 2006. I thank Reeds Spring Mayor Pro-Tem Paul E. Lear and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. Thank you very much for the wonderful evening and support.

Santa Clarita, California ~ Mayor Laurene Waste and City Council on May 23, 2006. I thank Mayor Laurene Waste and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I also want to thank riders Terilynn Fitz and his brother for making this happen. The City of Santa Clarita, California includes Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugas, Newhall. This is a part of Los Angeles.

Township of Florence, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey ~ Mayor Michael J. Muchowski and City Council in 2005. I thank Mayor Michael J. Muchowski and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank rider Kathi Bedard for making this happen. Kathi and her husband Fred Bedard are members of Red Knights NJ 14 and were both a part of the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. They and the Red Knights NJ 14 play a very very big roll in putting this ride together on the east coast. The amount of time they spent putting everything together before the ride really shines on the day of the ride into NYC.

Troy, Illinois ~ Mayor Tom Caraker Sr., and City Council in 2005. I thank Mayor Tom Caraker Sr. and City Council very much for being proud of their cities First Call Responders. I thank Troy Illinois VFW Post 976 Commander Roger Alons, and all the members of Post 976 for making this happen a long with all the other great things all of you make possible. I also want to thank all the motorcycle clubs for your support.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
September 11, 2001 was indeed a very sad day in America; but they always say, in times like this, something good always happens. They are right because America was super proud of it’s First Call Responders. On that day we saw how dedicated they were in putting their lives and families aside just to save us.

If we can not put one day aside on our calendar just to say "THANK YOU" to them, I feel sorry for us as a country. We do not deserve this type of loyalty from people that are willing to give up their life and families just to save us.

We have Armed Forces Day for all the members of our Armed Forces who put their lives and families aside to protect us so why do we not have a recognition day for our First Call Responders?

By making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for them also adds pride to their family and children. I can not count how many times I have heard or read about a First Call Responder dying in the line of duty that left behind one or more children. So is not one day on our calender to say thank you to their father or mother worth anything to us. Their loved ones need to know we will always be great full for the sacrifices they give to us.


Why is your city NOT listed here {above}???
      Contact your cities' City Manager/Administrator's office (Copy/Paste to a .txt or .doc file with the sample resolutions, as shown in the right-hand column) requesting the Mayor and the City Council to pass a Resolution making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their Cities' First Call Responders.
      Once approved and accepted, have the Manager/Administrator contact you when the next Council Meeting will be in session so you may be there.
      In all likelihood, you may be requested a 2-3 minute slot to elaborate on Torches Across America's cross-country motorcycle ride and it's concept behind making 9-11 a Recognition Day for all FIRST CALL RESPONDERS.


September 11 Memorial Wall





Speaker for the
2007 Torches Across America Ride
will be Mike Mohn.
{ Theresa will again be taking photographs along the route. }
Click PIC for a Larger Image
~Mike Mohn~
{left}
 ~Jacob [Troy, IL]~
{middle}
 ~Theresa Mohn~
{right}

Michelle Little wrote / read Poem dedicated to
her Brother: David M.Weiss [ NYFD Rescue One ]
whom lost his life saving others on that horrific day of 9/11.
Click PIC for a Larger Image
Listen to Michele Weiss-Little read poem
dedicated to her Brother.
* * * File Size: approx. 30.5 Mbytes * * *
DSL or Greater recommended to Download. 		Michele Weiss-Little (CALIFORNIA) rode as Don Snyder (OREGON)'s passenger from Ocenaside, CA to NYC~Ground Zero {2005}; and plans on making the trip again {2006}.

RESOLUTIONS:


CITY OF KINGMAN, ARIZONA
RESOLUTION NO. 4073
A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KINGMAN, ARIZONA; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR TO BE RECOGNITION DAY FOR ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2005, September 11th will be known as Recognition Day to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Kingman, Arizona, on January 18, 2005.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
_________________________________ _____________________________
Toni Weddle, City Clerk Monica Gates, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
Robert A. Taylor, City Attorney

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bill No. 568 Resolution 220

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF KIMBERLING
CITY, MISSOURI; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR TO BE
"RECOGNITION DAY" FOR ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS"

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel - have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and
personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2005, September 11th will be known
as "Recognition Day" to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED and APPROVED by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Kimberling City, Missouri
this 15th day of February, 2005.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

RESOLUTION NO. 05-01

A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE
CITY OF HOLLISTER, MISSOURI; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11th OF
EVERY YEAR TO BE "RECOGNITION DAY" FOR ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS.
RECOGNITION DAY

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds office fighters. law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, and Emergency Medical Services personnel - have continued to provide a high level of public services to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2005, September 11th will be known as "Recognition Day" to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Hollister, Missouri this 3rd day of March, 2005.

David G. Tate, Mayor

ATTEST:

S Brashear, City Clerk

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

CITY OF REEDS SPRING, MISSOURI
RESOLUTION NO. 200603-07
A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OR ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF REEDS SPRING, MISSOURI; PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 11th OF EVERY YEAR TO BE ""RECOGNITION DAY"" FOR ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel;

WHEREAS, First Call Responders - including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel -- have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation;

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, beginning in 2006, September 11th will be known as ""Recognition Day"" to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Reeds Spring, Missouri, on February 7, 2006.

APPROVED:

_________________ _______

Paul E. Lear Date

Mayor Pro-Tem

ATTEST:

___________________ ______

Cynthia G. Kirkpatrick Date
City Clerk

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

RESOLUTION 2007 –44


A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
OF THE CITY OF NIXA, MISSOURI
ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR
AS “RECOGNITION DAY” FOR
ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel; and

WHEREAS, First Call Responders – including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel – have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity.

NOW THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF NIXA, MISSOURI, that beginning in 2007, September 11th will be known as “Recognition Day” to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.

Passed and approved this 9th day of April, 2007.

DOUG MARRS
__________
Mayor

ATTEST:

CORALEE PATRICK
_______________
City Clerk