August 14, 2023 – On Sunday, September 10, History of the Heartland will host the 15th annual “Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11” car and bike show, aimed at remembering first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
15 years ago, the event was created in memory of Pvt. John Gifford of Decatur, who enlisted in the Marines after 9/11 and was killed in action in Iraq in 2003. This year, the annual fundraiser will collect donations for the Doug Hagen Memorial Scholarship fund at MacArthur High School, honoring its namesake, who died serving in the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Any car or bike is welcome to enter the show for $11, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. on the morning of the event in Central Park. First responders and veterans typically judge the show and will select the top ten ‘Best of Show’ vehicles. The event has raised funds for various charities throughout its tenure, including war memorials and gifts to troops overseas, Ayn Owens, the event’s founder, said in a press release.
“Cruise 11 has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various military and veteran causes,” Owens said. “We are proud to continue honoring a military cause in our 15th year by supporting the annual Hagen scholarship fund.”
Food from 343 BBQ will be available for purchase on the south side of the park, with music by Gage McCoy onstage from noon-2 p.m. At 2 p.m., the Chaplain of the Macon County Jail will lead a prayer service in memory of the 9/11 tragedy.
Following the ceremony and car show, the 11-mile “BG Nevitt Memorial Yellow Ribbon Cruise” will begin at the corner of West Main and Merchant Streets, running to the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel and back downtown. In addition to the car show and cruise, Owens has challenged the community to write thank-you notes to local first responders for all they do.
“We all need to remember how we felt watching our heroes, in real-time, react on 9/11,” Owens remarked. “Our officers deserve our appreciation and respect daily.”
To learn more about thank-you card writing, call Owens at 217-791-1385.
