Veterans and motorcyclists gather for 14th annual ‘Defenders of Freedom’ ride

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Sunday, there will be the longest law enforcement escorted charity motorcycle procession in Colorado, which will be over 40 miles through El Paso County and the City of Fountain.

It's called the Defenders of Freedom ride, which is a recognition and tribute to honor all the men and women who serve or have served in any of the five branches of the U.S. Military, especially to those who have been wounded or have lost their lives in service to our country.

It also recognizes those currently serving at the military installations in the Pikes Peak Region (Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Schreiver Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Academy and NORAD/NorthCom).

Since the first ride in 2008, U.S. Army Veteran and Colorado Springs Realtor Brian L. A. Wess has organized this all-volunteer event that has raised and donated tens of thousands of dollars through a low speed, law enforcement escorted, side by side procession of motorcycles throughout El Paso County for the benefit of charities that directly benefit our fallen, severely wounded and at risk military veterans and their families.