Motorcycle club shows support for those lost in Afghanistan

Derrick McClinchey (right) stands with fellow 1st Cav members at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memoiral in Trenton. The motorcycle group is made up of motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters of Canadian forces. Photo By: Austin McKay

By Austin McKay

Thousands of people fought back tears Saturday through the sound of bagpipes and heart-breaking stories.

“We come here to pay tribute, and make sure as Canadians we never forget,” said Derrick McClinchey, president of the 1st Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units or Cav who came all the way from London, On his 2004 Honda VTX 1300c.

There were 175 families who came to honour the 158 fallen soldiers at Bain Park in Trenton. A fleet of motorcyclists attended to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the front lines of war. The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial was unveiled to remember those who gave their lives to fight for our country.

“We stand behind our forces, every year we come,” said McClinchey.”Men and women sacrifice their lives for us.”

The monument pays tribute to the Unknown Soldier and the families that are affected. The memorial is a low-walled area with two large granite maple leaves and the silhouette of a solider in front. A large red leaf honours the Canadian Armed Forces while a black leaf represents a family’s loss with a fallen soldier. The black-granite leaf also includes the names of the 158 fallen soldiers. It is located in Bain Park by the shores of Trenton.

Ron Content was a member of the reserves for the Toronto Scottish Regiment.

McClinchey, started the CAV in 2003 with another member, to honour the fallen and support the Canadian Army. McClinchey along with the entire motorcycle group go to as many memorials like these as they can. They see a need to raise awareness and shed light on the Afghan veterans.

The clan that has grown nationwide with over 3,000 members in three divisions; Ontario-Quebec, (1st) West (2nd), and East (3rd) drive to raise money and assist with charities.

For Ron Content the repatriation shows that Canada does care. Content, a former member of the reserves for the Toronto Scottish Regiment from 1964-87, said if Canadians display their support it shows their appreciation.

“It is important to remember. I remember when I served and those who battled. It is important to pay respect to them,” Content said.

McClinchey or “Maddawg” served with the P.P.C.L.I (Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry) for 20 years. The repatriation of the soldiers was special to him and he wants people to remember them as he remembers the ones he lost.

“It’s part of the job unfortunately, but that’s why we appreciate them, It’s hard to explain,” said McClinchey.

Ron Content prepares his 1985 Yamaha Virago. Content is a member of the 3rd Cav division and drove from Oakville to the memorial in Trenton. Photo By: Austin McKay

Content and McClinchey both share something with the fallen soldiers.

“When they hurt, we all hurt,” said McClinchey.

The memorial is a reminder that Canada stands behind its forces and the overwhelming amount of support proves that is occurring. For the men on motorcycles, they will continue to ride and raise money.

Content said the reason he continues is simple.

“I ride to support and serve and we all served and ride. It’s our common denominator, motorcycles and serving.”

For more photos, look at this gallery. Photos by Sam Normand.