Hurricane Fabian Memorial Ride This Sunday
The September 5th Foundation will be holding the 10th Annual Memorial Day Ride on Sunday [Sept 1] to remember the four people who lost their lives on the Causeway during Hurricane Fabian in 2003.
The Foundation works to raise money for the children of those who lost their lives, and this year the first four-year $50,000 educational scholarship has been granted to Stephen Symons Jr, the son of police officer Stephen Symons.
The ride, which will commence at 2:00pm at the City Hall in Hamilton, will head east to the Memorial Bench on Kindley Field Road, St. George’s for a short tribute and remembrance.
The ride will then proceed to St. George’s before finishing at the Prospect Police Recreation Club where the Commissioner will host a reception with some light refreshments.
The memorial on Kindley Field Road:
The September 5th Foundation, a registered charity, was formed to create an endowment fund to assist in the post-secondary education of the children whose parents and grand-parents were lost during the tragic events of hurricane Fabian in 2003.
Bermuda Police Officers Stephen Symons, Nicole O’Conner, Station Duty Officer Gladys Saunders and civilian Manual Pacheco, who was employed by the Corporation of Hamilton tragically lost their lives on the Causeway at the height of the hurricane.
The initial beneficiaries of the Foundation’s efforts are the surviving children and grand-children of the victims, Zen-Paul Pacheco, Stephen Symons Jr., Kayuntae and Nazyia Saunders. Going forward, the Foundation will assist children of any future victims within the Bermuda Police Service ‘family.’
Providing sound educational opportunities and aiding in the development of productive young citizens is perhaps the greatest legacy the Foundation seeks to create on behalf of the victims and it is something the Foundation, with the support of businesses and residents, is determined to achieve.
“The Foundation is indebted to the corporate, individual donors and the Bermuda Police Service who have supported the Foundation since inception in 2003,” a spokesperson said.
Last year’s Memorial Ride:
“The Foundation is extremely pleased to announce that in this, our 10th Anniversary year, the first four-year educational scholarship has been granted in the amount of $50,000.00 to Stephen Symons Jr. Stephen, begins his undergraduate studies at Philadelphia University this month.
“The Foundation encourages friends, family members and concerned residents to participate in the ride, or join us at the Memorial Bench for a short memorial tribute or at the reception afterwards. Limited edition, 10th Anniversary commemorative pins will be available for purchase on the day. Special prizes to be awarded to those who have collected all Anniversary pins!
“The Foundation welcomes further contributions to our cause. Cheques can be made payable to the September 5th Foundation and mailed to the Foundation c/o PO Box 530, Hamilton, HM CX.”
For additional information about the Foundation, please visit their website www.september5foundation.com.
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Articles that link to this one:
- Minister Remembers Hurricane Fabian Victims | Bernews.com | September 1, 2013
10 years have come and gone and some may wonder why continue a memorial ride,for those who have passed away sometime ago,let them rest in peace,but I want to say for those who may not understand that the real truth is this.
We the families and loved ones who sat up that dreadful night of hurricane Fabian would not have imagined in a million years that, that night would bring to us memories that we would never forget and I go all year long trying not to think about it but every time September comes that is all I can remember,I lived in Southampton at the time and all electricity was knocked out,so when I heard the next morning that there was a loss of life, I went on my knees not knowing that it would hit my own family hard.
When the call came and we heard that Gladys who we call Birdy was was in the police vehicle and is missing and presumed dead, I knew within me how strong she was and that she can over come anything put in her path, I drove all the way to the gas station at the cause way were they had barricades set up with policeman saying no one can cross on foot or vehicle,I told him I don’t care what he say’s or who he is I walked across most of it and down through the water and then a man came in a boat and took me to look all around the water side, I stayed in St.georges for 5 days and refuse to leave.
Every day I went along side of people and , so without dragging we searched and searched until we could not search no more,when they found Stephen we had hope they would find the other three and it was not to be.so without dragging on,the pain is just as real today as it was the day it happen,the only blessed hope is knowing that they are safe in the arms of Jesus and we shall see them again someday.
To Mom Symons especially I think of you greatly all the time when this time of year comes,to Stephen Jr and Gladys husband and son Antoine Sr and Jr, to Gladys entire family(my family)to the Oconnor family and the Pacheco family our thoughts and prayers are with you and for you.
To the organizers of this memorial and all the bikers and anyone who participates in anyway publicly or behind the scenes, I honor you and greatly appreciate you.
Psalms 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Wow, has it really been 10 years already.
Remember it like yesterday.
RIP again to all affected by that terrible storm.
We do this ride not only remember our four people,but to educate people to the dangers of a Hurricane.
Those of us that lost someone on that terrible night know.