Springfield, IL. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Annual 9/11 Ride to Remember returned to the streets of Springfield for its 23rd year.

The event remembers the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 and also celebrates our First Responders who valiantly charge into harm’s way.

The Sunday morning procession was led by many fire, police, ambulance and other first responder vehicles followed by hundreds of motorcycles, dozens of Jeeps and lots of other cars and trucks.

The parade began at Halls Harley-Davidson and ended at the Fire Fighters Memorial at the Capitol Complex.

Mayor Misty Busher was on hand as well as dignitaries from area First Responders and some members of the military.

The mayor says it’s important to remember the day and to pass along our history to the generations who were not yet even born on the terrible September morning when the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were attacked by Islamic extremists.

Organizer Ross Horn, a retired Chicago police officer, says we must remember Sept 11th but also we must not forget SEPT. 12TH when the nation united as one to face the tragedy and drew strength from each other.