USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember

Day -1, 2 August 2023 – Astoria, OR

doug@DougLeland.com

207-522-7620

Dear family and friends:

I am writing to those who are aware of the Ride-2-Remember cross country bike ride and have asked for more information, as well as others who may find this event of interest. This letter introduces the background and purpose of the ride and provides a means for following along.

Over 54 years ago, on June 30, 1969, 1,389 young men were spliced into U.S. Naval Academy history by raising their right hand to become Midshipmen, United States Navy. Most graduated, some did not — all became a link in the chain of Naval Academy history and that of the Class of 1973.

Since that day we have lost more than 135 classmates. The Ride-2-Remember — a 3,200 mile cross country bicycle ride, has been organized to symbolically gather our fallen classmates back to Annapolis for our fiftieth reunion. The Ride-2-Remember Team invites all classmates, widows, family members and friends to join us as we devote each day of the ride to one or more of our deceased classmates.

A dedicated Facebook Group, “USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember” will provide daily tributes, ride updates, and shared memories of departed classmates. We encourage you to join us, engage, and share your tributes so that all 1,389 members of the USNA Class of 1973 are remembered and represented at our 50^th, if not in body, then in spirit.

Though the ride officially begins 8/4/23, the “USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember” Facebook Group is now open to the public. Within the “files” tab on the menu bar you can find important links, to include the Ride-2-Remember Route, Team Introductions and the Ride-2-Remember Tribute Schedule.

During July, posts at the USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember Facebook page will include introductions of team members, some pre-launch training rides, and our gathering in Astoria, Oregon. Beginning 8/4 you can expect a new posting each day dedicated to one or more of our departed classmates along with additional Ride-2-Remember updates.

For those who prefer QR codes, the attached scan of our calling card can be used for direct access to our Facebook page and Class of 1973 website, as well as a Go Fund Me page for those who requested a means for supporting this event. We encourage you to share this email broadly with all who may be interested in following this “moving” memorial.

We look forward to sharing our transcontinental ride with you… and for you to share your stories, insights and memories with all.

Non Sibi,

Doug

USNA ’73

Rider