Tribal veterans were honored in the 14th annual Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen, the largest gathering of motorcycles on Cape Cod, last month. Each year Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen memorializes USMC Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos and honors all fallen veterans with ties to Cape Cod as well as all Veterans past, present, and future who serve our country. There were over 1,000 motorcycles that rode from Bourne to Yarmouth for the event.

This year included recognition honoring all Native American veterans, with a special focus on Mashpee Wampanoag tribal veterans. Members of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe have served in every major conflict since the Revolutionary War.

Tribal members sang a veteran’s honor song to start the event, and tribal member Captain Curtis W. Frye III was the events veteran keynote speaker.

The family of tribal member and US Army Staff Sargent Alicia Birchet led the ride alongside other Gold Star families. Alicia enlisted at age 17, shortly after graduating from Falmouth HS and served in Germany and Korea before going to Iraq. She passed in 2007 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Funds raised from the ride will go towards supporting veteran and community groups on Cape Cod.