INDIANAPOLIS — Monday morning, dozens mounted their bicycles at the Indiana Law Enforcement and Firefighter's Memorial in downtown Indianapolis for the annual "Cops Cycling for Survivors" ride to honor Indiana's fallen heroes.
The opening ceremony marked the start of the 23rd annual bicycle ride around Indiana with the motto: "Riding to Remember."
The 13-day journey pays respect to the state's fallen law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.
"Their efforts do not go unnoticed by us survivors, and we are forever grateful that they help fulfill our promise to keep speaking their names," survivor Amy Gaston-Stehr said.
A truck will roll with the riders serving as a "Living Memorial," with a "Roll Call" displayed on both sides.
"We have the Vietnam War Memorial with a list of names, and it started and stopped. We have the World War II Memorial, the Korean War — but when it comes to public officials and law enforcement, it started, but it will never stop," said Jeff Jessee, who is riding again this year.
The riders will bike to about a dozen cities all over Indiana — raising money and awareness for the nonprofit and keeping memories alive.
"For the next 13 days, these riders will demonstrate their dedication to the sentiment — we will never forget. Every mile, every sore muscle, every breath a testament to the fact that they will never forget those in whose they ride," survivor Amy Elson said.
After the 13-day journey all around the state, the riders will finish with a closing ceremony at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 20.
Organizers told 13 News that they raised almost $45,000 in fundraising before the ride even started.