The Valor Ride was started in 2008 in order to remember the life and service of CPL Jason Dunham, USMC, who selflessly gave his life while serving in Iraq. Starting off as an escorted ride, the Valor Ride would begin at the Duetscher Club located in Clark NJ, and travel through several townships to RT 78, then returning back to Clark through the Garden State Parkway. The escorted ride was supported by numerous local Police, Fire, and EMS agencies, and the New Jersey State Police.
In 2017 the Valor Ride was passed on to a new group called Fourth Watch MC, who is currently running the Valor Ride. Fourth Watch MC was founded to remember the life and sacrifice of Officer David Lemagne, Port Authority Police Department, who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Valor Ride now honors David along with Jason each year we hold this event.
Although the Valor Ride has gone through changes since it started, our mission has and will always remain the same, to remember the lives of these American Heroes. We do this to keep their memory alive so that nobody can forget the sacrifices they made.
“Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name” – Ernest Hemingway
The Valor Ride is only possible with the support of our local Police, Fire, and EMS services. In the beginning years this event had incredible support from agencies such as, Clark Police Department, Clark Volunteer First Aid Squad, Clark Fire Department, Linden Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Union County Emergency Services and FMBA local 99, and the New Jersey State Police.
In addition the Valor Ride has had tremendous support from our local community and businesses, many of which still support the Valor Ride today. Some long time sponsors include Liberty Harley Davidson of Rahway, A.E.R Consulting, Life Vac, Vaccaros Bakery, J&E Autobody, Shop Rite of Clark, Flynns Pub of Rahway and Peerless Beverage Co. We cannot thank these businesses and the many others who support us for their generosity and support. If you would like to support the Valor Ride follow this link for more information.
Proceeds from the Valor Ride have been used to help individuals and organizations in our local community and throughout the country. Some of these causes include, Fourth Watch MC Operation Service Dog, USMC Toys for Tots, Cranford NJ Public Schools, Linden NJ Public Schools, first responders in times of need, Boy Scouts of America, Read Across America, and many more.