The World Memorial organization invited Schneider National and the Freightliner Trucks 2011 Ride of Pride truck to haul its 9/11 memorial trailer to various remembrance events throughout the United States. The truck – which transported steel beams from the World Trade Center – made appearances at 9/11 commemorative events, including a special Patriot Flag tribute ceremony in Shanksville, Pa.
The World Memorial organization was formed days after the tragic events in 2001 to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, as well as promote tolerance and goodwill. The organization’s outreach includes appearing at community and remembrance events throughout the year.
The Ride of Pride truck is a 2010 Freightliner Cascadia equipped with a Detroit Diesel DD15 engine. Owned by Schneider National and driven by Schneider driver and U.S. Marine Jeff Edwards, the one-of-a-kind truck features a custom paint job that showcases silhouettes of war heroes, the American flag, the POW-MIA logo, a bald eagle and memorial notes. The trailer is emblazoned with the names of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on 9/11.
“We salute Jeff and all veterans who have served in the wake of the 9/11 Attacks on America,” says Steve Matheys, executive vice president and chief administration officer for Green Bay, Wis.-based Schneider National. “The entire Schneider family of associates is honored to participate in these tributes in such a meaningful way.”
Now in its ninth year, the Freightliner Ride of Pride program was proposed by Ed Keeter, formerly a shift manager at Freightliner Trucks’ manufacturing plant in Cleveland, N.C., and a veteran of the Vietnam War, as a way to recognize military veterans. Every year, Freightliner Trucks awards a new Ride of Pride truck to a different company for use in the annual Ride of Freedom procession in Washington, D.C., and other military-related events and ceremonies.
“Participating in the Ride of Pride program is a great honor for our entire company, and we are pleased to partner with Schneider National and have the 2011 Ride of Pride truck play a significant role in these important events,” says Mark Lampert, senior vice president, sales and marketing from Daimler Trucks North America.”
