Community asked to show patriotic side for scholarship ride
On Saturday, family and friends of Sgt. Nathan P. Kennedy ask the Claysville community show support for members of the armed services by participating in the third annual scholarship motorcycle ride in Kennedy’s memory.
Kennedy, 24, of Claysville, was killed April 27, 2010, while serving in Afghanistan. As the fifth anniversary of his death approaches, Kennedy’s twin sister, Noelle Pattison, hopes Saturday’s event will produce the largest crowd yet.
“I don’t want anyone to forget his sacrifices,” Pattison, of Claysville, said. “He was supposed to turn 30 on May 5. Even if you don’t have a bike, just come and watch them take off. It’s an unbelievable sight to see.”
Saturday’s event starts at the Claysville American Legion, now Hunt-Kennedy Post 639, at 208 Main St. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. Early registration is encouraged. Single riders cost $15, and double riders are $25.
A short memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. before the ride starts. Food and beverages will be provided before and after the ride. Riders and the community can also participate in raffles, a 50/50 drawing and a Chinese auction.
Steffanie Furmanek, a junior adviser with the Claysville American Legion, would love to see the riders’ route lined with patriotic symbols.
“We would love it if everyone along the route could show their support and fly the flag,” Furmanek said, “even if you just step outside and watch the riders go by.”
Furmanek said the ride is not limited to motorcyclists and is expected to end in Claysville around 4 p.m.
“We’ve had people in trucks and cars in the past,” she said.
T-shirts will be available for purchase. All proceeds from the event will benefit scholarships for several McGuffey High School seniors to help with college tuition costs.
“The scholarship is a great thing,” Furmanek said. “We aren’t looking to meet a (momentary) goal. It has grown every year.”
For more information, visit the Claysville American Legion or call Tim Hammett at 724-344-4107 or Paul Galentine at 724-263-0026.