The retired Marine corporal does remember the outpouring, especially from the motorcycle community. “The motorcycle community is responsive to wounded heroes,” Love said at Veterans Park in Roanoke Rapids today as nearly 40 bikers registered to escort his Heart of Steel 9-11 memorial to the Petersburg Fire Department

Bikers for America’s Bravest sponsored the event and proceeds from the rides go to build smart homes for wounded veterans like Love.

(Additional photos may be found on our Facebook page)

With his own smart home in Atlanta, Love said his goal for these rides, “Is to raise enough money to build the next one.”

A biker views the Heart of Steel.

The Heart of Steel, a traveling memorial built from metal from the World Trade Center, began its journey in Spartanburg on June 2 and was delivered to the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department on July 13. It will go to several other fire departments before returning to Ground Zero on September 29 for the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk in New York.

Love designed the memorial to honor the American spirit. “American hearts are tough. I wanted it to be something good. I always felt like I didn’t deserve to design it.”

Love is comfortable sharing his story because despite the devastating injuries he received in Afghanistan in October of 2010, he lived. “I wasn’t sad. I didn’t know what my injuries were. I knew I was coming home.”

A flag displayed on a bike.

Love is extra proud of the biker community. “They usually don’t have as much to give but they tend to give more.”

Gene Harris is a veteran and biker who made the run to Petersburg. “I’m here to support Todd and his effort. I can’t say it without getting emotional, what’s he’s been through, that’s what it takes to keep this country free. I’m really proud of him. He’s got that Airborne spirit and Marine spirit which means he’s tough.”

Frankie Clay, a member of the Knights of the Inferno motorcycle club, said the ride was a way to remember 9-11 and the sacrifice Love made for his country. “Being a veteran, 9-11 still holds big symbolism for me. In order to help other veterans, it is a great honor.”

The bikers headed to Petersburg on Roanoke Avenue.

Jay Barnes is president of the club, which has chapters in Northampton and Bertie counties. “It’s great to have people who really care,” he said of Love. “It’s for a great cause for someone who was willing to put their life on the line and do what they can to help keep America free.”