Aaron's sponsors firefighters' bike ride to commemorate 9/11

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, August 25, 2011

ATLANTA — Rent-to-own merchant Aaron's is sponsoring the Aaron's Freedom Ride, in which 20-plus Georgia firefighters and public safety officials will ride bicycles from Atlanta to New York to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The event will pay tribute to those who lost their lives as first responders during the attacks, Aaron's said.

Riders will leave the Terminus Building in Atlanta at 9 a.m. Aug. 26. The 16-day cycling tour will span 1,035 miles and culminate in a remembrance service at Ground Zero in New York.

The idea for the Aaron's Freedom Ride originated in 2009 with Atlanta firefighter Mike Palmeri, an avid cyclist. In addition to honoring the victims and survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the mission of the ride is to raise funds and awareness for the Atlanta Fire Foundation and a New York City 9/11 Fund.

The Freedom Riders will cycle an average of 100 miles per day and will stop in 15 cities during their journey, with a rest day scheduled in Washington. At the end of each day, the riders will be greeted by local members of the American Fire Service.

"As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, it is crucial for our nation to remain committed to preserving the memory of all those who have perished while ensuring our freedom and safety," said Aaron's CEO Robin Loudermilk. "Aaron's is proud to support the efforts of some of Georgia's finest in their dedication to commemorate the victims and survivors of the Sept. 11 attacks. It is our hope that the community will gather in each city the Aaron's Freedom Ride passes through to cheer on the riders and to pay tribute to all who gave their lives on 9/11."

A schedule of cities where the bicyclists will stop and more information about the ride is available at www.FreedomRide2011.com.