Motorcyclists from throughout the area will be rolling into The Grand Old City this weekend, in honor of those who lost their lives in one of the country’s worst tragedies in history.

Members of the Berrien County Riders are organizing the 17th annual Ride to Remember Sunday, to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The charity motorcycle run will kick off around noon at the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph, and will run through Benton Harbor and Sister Lakes before stopping at the Dowagiac Eagles Club, at 101 E. Railroad St., for lunch around 1 p.m.

Members of the local service club will sell Sloppy Joes, potato chips and beverages to the cyclists during the stop. After the meal and a brief ceremony, the riders will head back toward St. Joseph.

Proceeds from the Ride to Remember will be donated to the Berrien County Red Cross, which provides blood and other assistance to area residents. The Eagles members will also donate whatever money they generate through lunch sales to the nonprofit.

The Berrien County Riders, a club that is popular among motorcycle enthusiasts in the region, has organized the ride since 2001, said club president Joe Young.

They made their first run only a few weeks after the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. More than 700 bikers rode in the inaugural event, and between 275 to 300 have participated in the annual event ever since.

“We’re trying to give back and honor those who lost their lives — not just those who died in 9/11 but all our fallen first responders and people in uniform,” Young said. “The sacrifices they have given are huge. This is a way for us to say ‘thank you’ and to remember everything they have done.”

The ride generates between $5,000 to $10,000 every year, depending on the number of participants, Young said.

The ride has stopped in Dowagiac ever since its inception. Initially parking outside Beeson Street, the cyclists moved several years later to the parking lot of the Dowagiac VFW, and recently began stopping outside the Eagles Club.

Members of the Eagles have prepared and served lunch for the bikers for years. Members cooked up brats for the riders last year, serving more than 300 people, said Bill Richardson, a trustee with the club.

Around 20 to 30 members are expected to help out on Sunday, he said.

“It’s a way for us to give back to the community,” Richardson said.

Locals are invited to stop by the Eagles Club during the stop, where they can meet some of the riders and donate to the cause, Richardson said.

People who want to participate in the ride may register on site at the courthouse, 811 Port Street, St. Joseph, beginning at 10 a.m. The registration fee is $15 per person.

“There will be times you will smile, laugh or even shed a tear,” Young said. “Come out, enjoy the day and have fun.”