WHITMAN, Mass. — With heavy hearts, thousands of motorcycle riders from around New England gathered at VFW Post 697 in Whitman to honor the seven precious lives lost in a crash in Randolph, New Hampshire last week.
Complete strangers who didn't even know the victims came to pay their respects.
"What more tribute could you have for these poor people and their families," said Linda Hurd of Halifax.
"I'm sorry. Those are my brothers. Whether you're in the Marine Corps, Air Force, you're in the Coast Guard, we're all brothers. We all stick together," said organizer Bob Ricceeoli.
The victims were members and supporters of the Marine JarHeads, a regional motorcycle club that involves Marine veterans and their spouses.
Ricceeoli was friends with Marine veteran Edward Corr. He was a longtime member and remembered as a quiet guy and always helped raise money for motorcycle runs.
"He would give you the shirt off of his back," said Bob.
Knowing that a lawyer for 23-year-old Volodymyr Zhukovskyy pleaded not guilty on his behalf has many outraged.
"It's such a senseless tragedy, to have this kind of turn out, it speaks volumes," said Hurd.
Seven candles were placed in front of a flag pole in honor of the innocent victims.
"I just don't know what more to say," said Ricceeoli.
Organizers say there were at least 3,000 people in attendance. All of the money raised will go to the victim families.
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