Freedom 13 Memorial Ride honors Jared Schmitz and fallen service members
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Engines roared across south St. Louis County on Saturday for the Freedom 13 Memorial Ride, honoring the 13 U.S. service members killed in the Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan, including Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz of Wentzville.
Hundreds of riders from the St. Louis region before meeting at Jefferson Barracks Park, a national cemetery honoring veterans.
The event featured live music, food trucks, vendors, and a raffle with proceeds supporting a new veterans camp in Missouri.
Organizers say the ride is about more than the miles. It is about unity, remembrance, and supporting veterans. This year’s ride was the biggest yet, with plans already underway to continue the tradition.
