Join us for the 7th annual WE RIDE SO THEY FLY bike run for Honor Flight New England on Saturday, June 28, 2025 in memory of World War II hero, Paul Holmes. Registration begins at 9 AM Manchester Harley Davidson, 100 Technology Dr. Hooksett, NH. Ceremony begins at 10:30 and KSU at 11:00 am!
SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH 2025
From: MANCHESTER HARLEY DAVIDSON
100 TECHNOLOGY DR. HOOKSETT, NH
To: DEERHEAD SPORTSMENS CLUB in Hooksett, NH
Registration- 9am-10:30am
Kick Stands up 11:00am
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We Ride So They Fly (501c3) is an annual charity event that raises funds for Honor Flight New England, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C.
All proceeds from the event go directly towards Honor Flight New England's mission of honoring our nation's heroes and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.
Sponsor "We Ride So They Fly" to show your support for veterans. This event raises funds for Honor Flight, providing trips for vets to visit D.C. memorials. Your brand will shine across marketing - connect with engaged attendees. Your sponsorship ensures more vets experience these hallowed sites. Partner with us to make a difference for those who sacrificed.
Paul Holmes graduated from Keith Academy in Lowell, MA, in 1942. Shortly after graduation, he was inducted into the U.S. Navy on December 12, 1942, in Boston, MA. He completed Boot Camp in Green Bay, WI, followed by Gunnery School in Biloxi, MS. Paul first served as a Navy gunner aboard the merchant ship Benito Juarez before being assigned to the destroyer Lyman K. Swenson in the 3rd Fleet under Admiral Halsey.
Aboard the Swenson, Paul participated in bombardments of enemy-occupied Pacific islands ahead of U.S. amphibious landings. His ship also carried out rescue missions, recovering downed fighter pilots near Japan. During his service, the 3rd Fleet endured a massive typhoon that sank three destroyers, but the Swenson prevailed and rescued survivors. After the war, Paul returned to Boston in December 1945 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Seaman First Class (V-6 USNR).
His military honors include:
In 1950, Paul joined the Billerica Police Department as a patrolman, beginning a distinguished 38-year career in law enforcement. Rising through the ranks, he retired as a Captain. In 1976, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from what is now UMass Lowell. Among his many contributions, he served as the department’s Safety Officer, conducting traffic assessments throughout the town and working with the State DPW and Registry of Motor Vehicles to determine the placement of speed limit signs, crosswalks, and traffic signals. In his final years with the BPD, Paul served as a Police Prosecutor at Lowell District Court, assisting with legal proceedings and providing critical police information during trials.
Paul was a lifelong parishioner of St. Theresa’s Church in Billerica (now St. Matthew the Evangelist – St. Theresa’s), where he played an active role in the parish community. He was part of the committee that oversaw the construction of the current church, volunteered at fundraising events—including the well-known BBQ Chicken fundraisers—and helped secure funding for the new church hall. He was also deeply involved in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, delivering food donations and providing rent assistance to those in need. As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, he assisted in church services and brought communion to homebound parishioners.
Beyond his service to the parish, Paul was dedicated to the broader Billerica community. He led local Red Cross Blood Drives and taught First Aid and CPR classes for the Red Cross. He also served on the Executive Board of the Town of Billerica Retirees Association, advocating for retired town employees.
Honor Flight New England joined with the national organization Honor Flight Network in the Spring of 2009, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America’s most senior veterans. Through generous donations, we transport our heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials AT NO COST TO THE VETERAN. Top priority is currently given to WWII Veterans, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. In the spring of 2016, Honor Flight New England also began transporting Korean War Veterans.
"The National Honor Flight network requires adherence to all current local and CDC guidelines"
On Saturday, June 28th, we will be gathering at Harley Davidson in Manchester, NH, and riding to Deerhead Sportsmen's Club in Hooksett, NH.
This event will take place rain or shine! No refunds
We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. The mission of WE RIDE SO THEY FLY would not be successful if it was not for the people like you. Thank you!