On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the, POW/MIA Forget-Me-Nots, Reading Motorcycle Club and various other Veteran and motorcycle groups, are involved with the Thirty-Third Annual “RIDE FOR FREEDOM”.
The purpose of the ride is to promote awareness of our Prisoners Of War and those still Missing In Action. As of June 11, 2026 there are still 80,795 missing and unaccounted for from all the wars we have been involved in. (That is down 214 from last years accounting)
Berks County has 3 Brothers still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War: Lt. Col. Ralph H. Angstadt - Oley/Fleetwood
Col. Thomas W. Dugan - Reading
Capt. David E. Pannabecker – Womelsdorf
On the day of the ride we make a triangle of all 3 of their hometowns.
You can begin in Oley by meeting at the Reading Motorcycle Club, 208 Jefferson Street, Oley, PA 19547. Kickstands up at 9:30 sharp to head to the main staging area in Womelsdorf to meet up with the other motorcycles. (Be sure to arrive in plenty of time.)
Or you can go to the main staging area at 5th & Franklin Street in Womelsdorf, PA 19567. Staging is from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at 11:00 there is a short program and the Blessing of the Bikes.
Kickstands up at 11:30 sharp as we travel as a group for a 14 mile ride to Reading City Park. We have a Sheriff Escort and Road Guards along the way to make the ride as safe as possible. In past years our feet never touched the ground.
There are many people standing along the route who wave to us, salute us and show their support.
If you don’t ride you can meet us at Reading City Park, the Bikes begin to arrive around 12:00 noon. There are displays and information tables there for you to visit. You’ll be able to hear us coming.
When we arrive in Reading City Park we have a Remembrance Ceremony at 12:30. It is a very emotional program. We read the names of the 89 POW/MIA’s from Pennsylvania.
We unfold a large 12 ft. X 18 ft POW/MIA flag, everyone holds it tight as the history and meaning of the flag is explained. The tears just roll down our cheeks as it is very touching.
We listen to the sounds of Amazing Grace as it is played on bag pipes. Taps is then heard and the program ends.
There is no charge for the Ride, just support the cause. We want others to be aware that there are still many missing and unaccounted for from all the wars we have been involved in.
It is a rain or shine event.
The purpose of the ride is to promote awareness of our Prisoners Of War and those still Missing In Action. As of June 11, 2026 there are still 80,795 missing and unaccounted for from all the wars we have been involved in. (That is down 214 from last years accounting)
Berks County has 3 Brothers still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War: Lt. Col. Ralph H. Angstadt - Oley/Fleetwood
Col. Thomas W. Dugan - Reading
Capt. David E. Pannabecker – Womelsdorf
On the day of the ride we make a triangle of all 3 of their hometowns.
You can begin in Oley by meeting at the Reading Motorcycle Club, 208 Jefferson Street, Oley, PA 19547. Kickstands up at 9:30 sharp to head to the main staging area in Womelsdorf to meet up with the other motorcycles. (Be sure to arrive in plenty of time.)
Or you can go to the main staging area at 5th & Franklin Street in Womelsdorf, PA 19567. Staging is from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at 11:00 there is a short program and the Blessing of the Bikes.
Kickstands up at 11:30 sharp as we travel as a group for a 14 mile ride to Reading City Park. We have a Sheriff Escort and Road Guards along the way to make the ride as safe as possible. In past years our feet never touched the ground.
There are many people standing along the route who wave to us, salute us and show their support.
If you don’t ride you can meet us at Reading City Park, the Bikes begin to arrive around 12:00 noon. There are displays and information tables there for you to visit. You’ll be able to hear us coming.
When we arrive in Reading City Park we have a Remembrance Ceremony at 12:30. It is a very emotional program. We read the names of the 89 POW/MIA’s from Pennsylvania.
We unfold a large 12 ft. X 18 ft POW/MIA flag, everyone holds it tight as the history and meaning of the flag is explained. The tears just roll down our cheeks as it is very touching.
We listen to the sounds of Amazing Grace as it is played on bag pipes. Taps is then heard and the program ends.
There is no charge for the Ride, just support the cause. We want others to be aware that there are still many missing and unaccounted for from all the wars we have been involved in.
It is a rain or shine event.
