On Sunday, July 18th, over 1,000 motorcycle riders will meet at the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Complex and wind their way across Cape Cod on an emotional 35-mile ride to honor and remember all 16 of Cape Cod’s Fallen Heroes since the war on terror started after 9/11. Each year, the streets are lined with spectators waving flags, holding signs, and showing their love, gratitude, and support for those who have served.
Since it began 11 years ago, the Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen is the biggest fundraiser for the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund. The fund is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization designed to support local Veterans and military families in need.
“The Xiarhos Gold Star Family, and everyone at Big Nick’s Ride for the Cape Cod Fallen, is proud to have Tony Shepley and everyone at Shepley Wood Products as our presenting sponsor and partner”, says Stephen Xiarhos. “We all love our great Nation and the men, women, and families that serve, defend, and sacrifice for it. God bless and remember the Cape Cod Fallen 16.”
“Shepley is proud to help support an event that brings so many people together under the banner of a great common cause.” says Tony Shepley. “Life isn’t about what happens to us, it’s about how we respond to what happens to us. This is a time for our country to pull together around our troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. On July 18th, 2021, we will ride together in the spirit of USMC Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos and the other members of the Cape Cod Fallen 16. We are in Big Nick’s words, “Living the Dream”.”
Nicholas G. Xiarhos was a United States Marine, a patriot, a son, a brother, and a brave American who fought for everything and everyone he believed in. On July 23, 2009, while rescuing his fellow Marines during operation “Strike of the Sword,” he died in combat doing what he loved--serving his country and helping his brothers in uniform. “Don’t worry about me Mom, I’m living the dream,” is what Nick told his parents the last time they spoke.
For information about the Big Nick ride, including registration and route information, please visit www.bignicksride.org
Photo courtesy: The Barnstable Patriot
