American Legion Riders of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033 gathered for their 18th annual Bike Blessing Barbecue—a powerful blend of patriotism, community and giving back that was as much about honoring service as it was celebrating life on two wheels.
Riders, veterans, families, and community members came together to share food, honor military service, and receive a special blessing for a safe riding season ahead.
Attendees stood together for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a tribute to Prisoners of War/Missing in Action, reflecting on the service members who have not returned home.
Kevin Tirman, President of the American Legion Riders in Nassau County, led the ritual. A small round table sat at the heart of the gathering, draped in white cloth, and adorned with poignant symbols—a single rose, a slice of lemon, salt, an inverted glass, an empty chair, and a flickering candle.
Each element has a meaning, Tirman explained—for example, the lemon symbolizes their bitter fate, and the inverted glass represents the toast they cannot make. The ceremony reminded attendees of the riders’ deeper mission, never forgetting the fallen or missing soldiers.
After a moment of silence, Deacon Bruce Burnham, a VFW member and clergyman from Our Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, offered the annual blessing for the bikes and their riders.
Burnham has presided over the bike blessing for nearly a decade. He emphasized the safety of the riders as well as the spiritual bond forged through service, sacrifice, and the open road. His prayer asked for divine protection on the highways and for the Lord’s presence in every encounter the riders may have.
Burnham acknowledged that his prayer may mean something different to each rider. Some riders pray for a season of good weather, he said, and others for smooth roads.
“Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out the car window,” he said with a grin, earning chuckles from the crowd before blessing each rider’s bike.
The afternoon was filled with storytelling as veterans reminisced and appreciated one another’s military service.
Dawn Samuel, director of Post 1033, is known among the Riders as “Tigger.” She is an Operation Desert Storm veteran and a current fifth-grade teacher. Samuel sees her role in the Legion Riders as a continuation of her commitment to serve.
“I was work-raised in the military,” she said with a laugh, recalling the rigorous discipline that shaped her.
While joking about her smaller stature, Samuel shared a story about practicing her motorcycle skills in a library parking lot and being mistaken for a teenager. “Somebody had called the police on me,” she laughed, “They thought I was some kid playing on a Harley.”
Samuel’s journey into the Riders began with encouragement from a fellow veteran who pushed her to get her motorcycle license. With determination and support from mentors, she sharpened her skills and grew into a leadership role.
“I love them all,” she said, talking about her fellow Riders’ close-knit bond, comparing it to the camaraderie she knew in the military. “That’s what the Legion is all about.”
The American Legion Riders Post 1033 began with just five charter members—Sal Martella, Phil Velez, Bill DePietro, Pete Foltmer and Pete Busch.
Over the years, Martella said, they’ve grown into a family of 37 active riders who now organize and participate in events across Long Island and beyond.
Martella, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, now in his late 70s, shared his own story with deep pride. Martella, a charter member, has stood strong through all 18 bike blessings and more to come.
He’s been married to his wife, Connie Martella, for 56 years. They have been together since he was deployed in 1968.
“There’s only one thing wrong with my marriage I could never fix,” he said with a smile. “I can’t be married to her long enough.”
Martella remarked on the numerous charities that the Legion donates to and supports. From escorting funerals to fundraising rides for cancer research and children’s hospitals, their calendar is filled with service-driven missions.
Bill “The Can Man” Urianek, now in his 90s, is a former Marine who does not ride anymore but continues to serve in the Mineola Memorial Post 349. Drafted during the Korean War but never deployed due to the war’s end, Urianek still found a cause to fight for—charity.
Since 2004, he’s collected more than 1,540,000 aluminum cans—nearly $80,000 worth—and donated the funds to support disabled veterans, build homes for heroes, fund seeing-eye dogs and support over a dozen other causes.
“If you get one can, it’s a nickel,” he said. “And that’s a nickel more than you had yesterday.”
Urianek attends every bike blessing he can, reminding younger generations of the quiet strength found in everyday service. His charity work has helped countless people, and his example continues to inspire a new wave of veterans and volunteers.
Another charter member, Phil Velez, enlisted at age 17. He was injured during training and is now continuing to serve as a founding member of Post 1033.
Velez shared the Legion’s dedication to giving back. “If they’re sponsoring a ride, we’re there,” he said.
The Riders left not only with their bikes newly blessed but also with a strengthened sense of connection, united by shared values and a commitment to service.
“We all have one symmetrical purpose,” Velez said. “It’s just to give back.”
