2013 Police Unity Tour Kick Off - Portsmouth, VA

It was a sunny 72 degree day as Police Unity Tour Chapter VII celebrated their 10th anniversary at their kick off ceremony this morning on the waterfront in Old Town Portsmouth, VA. "We Ride For Those Who Died" is the Police Unity Tour’s Motto and this year the riders included police officers, sheriff's deputies, state and federal agents and survivors. Over 200 riders from eight states (FL, GA, LA, AZ, OK, TX, TN and FL) and the United Kingdom, as well as 50 support personnel departed on their annual trek to National Police Week in Washington, D.C for the Portsmouth spoke of the Police Unity Tour. As bagpipes sounded, the cyclists, motor officers and support personnel joined together for a presentation of the colors and singing of the National Anthem.

This was my fourth year speaking at the Portsmouth kick-off ceremony and it was a great honor to be a part of such a remarkable event.

For the next three days the riders will travel over 200 miles to end their journey at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Please join us in Washington, D.C. on Sunday May 12th as Chapter VII, along with over 1,500 other riders and thousands of well-wishers, gather at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial for the arrival ceremony. The ceremony will begin at approximately 2pm.

We wish the Police Unity Tour Riders safe travels on their journey.

John Shanks
Acting Director of Development and Law Enforcement Relations
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund