On Sunday, July 17th, over 1,500 motorcycle riders met at the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Complex and paraded across Cape Cod on an emotional 35-mile ride to honor and remember all 16 of the Fallen Heroes with ties to Cape Cod. Each year, the streets are lined with thousands of spectators waving flags, holding signs, and showing their love, gratitude, and support for those who have served.
The Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen is the biggest fundraiser for the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund, having raised over $500,000 since it began 13 years ago. 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’s Wood Products as our 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 once again 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 event is a time for our country to pull together around our troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. 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.
